DATE: 8/9/05

CONTACT: Marian Chapman, (864) 226-1582, ext. 111

WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741

Youth Health Fest scheduled for Aug. 27

BELTON -- Many South Carolina youth are leading healthy, happy and productive lives, however, some face challenges and temptations that can have a long lasting negative effect upon their well-being.

A collaborative community effort by Clemson Extension, Anderson County Health Department – Region I, Anderson/Oconee Minority Health Coalition, McDonald’s of Anderson, Partners for a Healthy Community, Welfare Baptist Church’s Pastor’s Healthcare Summit Partners - Community Caring Project, Young Men of Vision and Progress Sisters of Excellence are offering the second annual Youth Health Fest to help young people maximize their potential and strength as future leaders.

The event will begin at 9 a.m., Aug. 27, at Welfare Baptist Church in Belton. Cost is $15 per group, which covers lunch, snacks, goody bag and materials. If there are more than 10 in a group, the cost is $20.

“We hope to bring together youth from Anderson, Greenville, Oconee and Pickens communities to share information, resources and solutions that address issues that affect them,” said Marian Chapman, Clemson Extension program assistant. “This collaborative effort seeks to foster communication and networking for the benefit of the community.”

Some of the challenges that youth face are decisions around premarital sex, substance use, and unconstructive relationships. The fest will highlight the institutions of family, church, and school as major players in maximizing the potential and strength of our youth as future leaders.

Call Pat Brown or Ladonna Peoples at (864) 226-1582, Ext 0 by Aug. 19 to register or for more information.

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