In March of 2006, at the invitation of Mrs. Martha Peterson, Carmen Robles came to Harding High School to invite Latino students to participate in Jovenes de Salud (Youth Health Advocates). This orgainzation is directed by the Association for Nonsmokers-MN (ANSR) and supported through a grant from the Minnesota Health Department for Ramsey and Dakota Counties.  ANSR supports clean air initiatives through policy and community outreach.  The Jovenes de Salud program uses the youth apprenticeship model of  combining academics with hands-on experiences.  Jovenes de Salud are youth 9-12th trained to become Promotores de Salud (Community Health Workers).  

 

Under the direction of Todd Hochman and John Andrastek plus the leadership of Carmen Robles, the Latino students created Harding's first Latino "club" - Knight's HEAT (Hispanic Energy All the Time).  HEAT is governed by an elected board.  Its mission is to build school spirit, pursue academic goals and explore careers.  HEAT was instrumental in bringing Nicole Zapata-Lyon to Harding as their academic liaision.  Nicole was introduced to Harding at a conference where the students were the featured presenters - their passion, pride and sense of "family" was intoxicating for her and she hasn't left their side since. 

 

Marched in Cinco de Mayo 2006

Spent 10 weeks during the 2006 summer learning about the health, social and economic impact of tobacco use and dangers of second hand smoke

Being mentored by Blue Cross Blue Shield Latino Employee Group: Fuerza Azul

Featured at the first annual "Promotores de Salud Statewide Conference" held Dec. 2, 2006

Collected more than 100 signatures (petition) for smoke-free parks and zoo policies

Testified at the Dakota County Parks Commission on behalf of smoke-free parks policies

 

Facilitating Jovenes de Salud workshop at: Mankato State University College Visit April 12-13, 2007;

Selected to present Jovenes de Salud workshop at the upcoming National Conference on Tobacco or Health being hosted in MN October 2007;

Marching at Cinco de Mayo 2007 St. Paul Parade/assisting at La Clinca and Blue Cross Blue Shield booths.