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"Nothing about us, without us."
These simple words convey a profound message that no decisions on policies or interventions impacting young people should be made without their full engagement.
ABOUT DAC YAC
Turning Interest into Action
Founded in 2022, the Dothan Adolescent Community Youth Advisory Council (DAC YAC) is a pioneering initiative dedicated to empowering adolescents and young adults in the Wiregrass area. Our mission is to provide a dynamic platform for young people to voice their health concerns, advocate for meaningful change, and take charge of their own healthcare journey.
At DAC YAC, we recognize the unique challenges that adolescents face as they transition from pediatric to adult healthcare. Our council is comprised of young individuals aged 15-24, who come together to learn about pressing health issues, engage in community service projects, and develop the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.
DAC YAC is committed to:
Advocacy:
We empower young people to advocate for themselves and their peers on issues that matter most to them, from mental health to sexual health and everything in between.
Community Engagement:
We believe in the power of community. Our members participate in various service projects that not only benefit the community but also foster a sense of responsibility and leadership.
Education:
Through regular meetings and workshops, members gain a deeper understanding of health-related topics, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Support:
One of our core objectives is to ensure a smooth transition for young people as they move from pediatric to adult healthcare. We provide resources and guidance to help them navigate this critical phase.
Why Join?
In addition to these core objectives, DAC YAC also offers a comprehensive educational program covering a range of essential life skills and health topics, including:
Healthy Study Habits
Techniques and strategies to improve academic performance and manage time effectively.
Mental Health
Understanding and managing mental health challenges, reducing stigma, and accessing support.
Nutrition and Healthy Eating
Learning about proper nutrition, making informed food choices, and understanding the impact of diet on health.
Social Media Awareness
Navigating the digital world responsibly, understanding the impact of social media on mental health, and maintaining a healthy online presence.
Substance Abuse Prevention
Education on the risks of substance abuse and strategies for prevention.
Healthy Living
Techniques and strategies to improve academic performance and manage time effectively.
Money Management
Basic financial literacy, budgeting, and managing personal finances effectively.
Stress Management
Techniques to manage stress, improve mental resilience, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Our
History
Est. 2022
DAC YAC was conceived by Dr. Kenneth Brown, Dr. David Lozano, and Dr. Jacob Edwards, all of whom share a deep commitment to adolescent health. Understanding the importance of youth engagement, they established the council to give young people a voice in their healthcare and ensure they are well-prepared for the future.
Who we serve
We serve adolescents and young adults across the Wiregrass area, offering them a safe space to discuss their health concerns, learn from healthcare professionals, and connect with peers who share similar experiences.
The PAC.
(Professional Advisory Committee)
Dr. Jacob Edwards is a General Pediatrician licensed by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Edwards received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Morehouse School of Medicine and completed his Pediatric Residency Program at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. He has completed advanced studies in Adolescent Medicine. In May 2017, Dr. Edwards joined Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network in their Enterprise location. In April 2021, Dr.Edwards transitioned to Adolescent Care and began treating patients from 18-24 years of age at our Subspecailty Clinic. Dr. Edwards’ clinical interests include obesity and sports medicine.
Dr. Kenneth C. Brown is a General Pediatrician licensed by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee, College of Medicine, and completed his three-year Pediatric Residency Program at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville. Dr. Brown joined Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network in 1999 as a pediatrician at Dothan Pediatric Clinic and began practicing at Ozark Pediatric Clinic in 2016
Dr. David Lozano is a Pediatric Pulmonologist licensed by the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and certified by the Pediatric Pulmonary Medical Board of the American Board of Pediatrics. He is also certified by the Sleep Medicine Board of the American Board of Pediatrics. Dr. Lozano received his Doctor of Medicine degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas and completed his Pediatric Residency Program at the University of Florida, Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. Following his Pediatric Residency, Dr. Lozano completed a three-year Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Children’s of Alabama. A year after the completion of his Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship, Dr. Lozano joined the UAB Division of Pulmonology Medicine at Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham and practiced there for the next 13 years. He also served as the Medical Director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Children’s of Alabama for eight years. In January 2018, Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network welcomed Dr. Lozano as a physician at Dothan Pediatric Subspecialty Clinic. Dr. Lozano’s clinical interests include Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD), Pediatric Sleep Medicine, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, Technology-Dependent patients/Pediatric Home Ventilation, and Asthma. Dr. Lozano’s clinical activity has an emphasis on Pediatric Sleep Disorders of all types. He sees pediatric sleep patients in the clinic setting and interprets pediatric sleep studies. Dr. Lozano is the Medical Director of Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network’s free-standing Pediatric Sleep Center.
Shannon Heath is the Digital Marketing Specialist for Dothan Pediatric Healthcare Network. Mrs. Heath graduated with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications with a minor in public relations from Troy University and then went on to get her Master of Science in Strategic Communication.