Douglas County Youth Initiative

05/06/2026

Your voice matters when it comes to ni****ne, va**ng, and to***co use—whether you’ve experienced it personally or want to support a healthier community.

Take our quick, 15-question survey (it only takes 3–4 minutes!) and help guide future health initiatives. The survey is open to all ages and available in multiple languages.

🗓️ Deadline: May 31

👉 Take the survey today and share it with friends, family, and neighbors!
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Yk4g0x9djUKQruyV50wYr-ZOgGDRdFBEms32lNHiL7NUQjBMS09RSExXRzZBUk80RzlKM1RaR1VIUyQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

03/02/2026

Do you know a Douglas County teenager, between the ages of 13 and 19, who has overcome adversity and created positive change in their life and the lives of others?

Nominations for the 2026 Douglas County Outstanding Youth Awards are being accepted through April 3. Ten award recipients will be able to share their special night with family members, their adult supporters, and elected officials at a reception in May.

Visit our webpage to fill out a nomination form: https://www.douglas.co.us/inspired-by-a-teenager-in-your-life-nominate-them-for-the-2026-douglas-county-outstanding-youth-award/

02/18/2026

Tell us about your experience and input around va**ng, to***co use and ni****ne to help guide local health efforts. The Douglas County Health Department has a brief survey open now until March 31.

✔️ Open to all ages
⌚️ Takes just 3–4 minutes (15 questions)
🌎 Available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Chinese, and German

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Yk4g0x9djUKQruyV50wYr-ZOgGDRdFBEms32lNHiL7NUQjBMS09RSExXRzZBUk80RzlKM1RaR1VIUyQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

At the end of the survey, you can choose to receive helpful resources and information by email—optional, but available if you’d like additional support.

02/04/2026

Do you know a Douglas County teenager, between the ages of 13 and 19, who has overcome adversity and created positive change in their life, and the lives of others?

Nominations for the 2026 Douglas County Outstanding Youth Awards are now being accepted. Ten award recipients will have the opportunity to share their special night with family members, their adult supporters, and elected officials at a reception on Thursday, May 7, hosted by the Douglas County Youth Initiative at the Douglas County Commissioners' Hearing Room in Castle Rock.

Visit our webpage to learn more and submit a nomination: https://www.douglas.co.us/inspired-by-a-teenager-in-your-life-nominate-them-for-the-2026-douglas-county-outstanding-youth-award/

02/03/2026

Do you know what to do if you see a friend, coworker, neighbor or family member in distress? Learn the life-saving tools of Mental Health First Aid at free upcoming training sessions coming up in March.

• Join individually or as a group to learn how to help youth of all ages from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, March 9, in Parker: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904094DAAAA2AABFD0-61816303-youth #/

• Join a two-day course for those who work with older adults from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, March 23, and Tuesday, March 24, at the Highlands Ranch Senior Center: https://myactivecenter.com/activity/4545:1/14261

Please note that there is a nominal fee to attend this class at the Highlands Ranch Senior Center.

11/05/2025

Learn about Douglas County’s Youth Initiative and programs, working for 20 years to empower the next generation of leaders through thoughtful programs, educa...

10/20/2025

Meet the future leaders of Douglas County.

Watch as Commissioner Laydon introduces us to the teenagers confronting the challenges of their generation – and searching for solutions – at 2025’s Youth Congress.

Watch as Commissioner Laydon introduces us to the teenagers confronting the challenges of their generation – and searching for solutions – at 2025’s Youth Co...

10/15/2025

Do you know what to do if you see a friend, coworker, neighbor or family member in distress? Learn the life-saving tools of Mental Health First Aid at free upcoming training sessions this fall.

Join individually or as a group for this season’s class for those who work with youth, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, in Castle Pines.

Learn more and register: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904094DAAAA2AABFD0-59231269-youth #/

10/09/2025

According to the Centers for Disease Control, e-cigarette and va**ng use among middle and high school students is 5.8% nationwide, but Douglas County’s Community Health Survey shows it’s closer to 12.2% locally.

Learn how to start the conversation with your kids and connect with free prevention resources on our webpage: https://www.douglas.co.us/health-department/preventing-smoking-va**ng-and-to***co-use/