WCHS junior joins statewide student group focused on teen wellness

Westerville Central High School junior Prisha Malik is part of a new statewide group focused on the safety, health and wellness of Ohio's adolescents.

As a member of Ohio Department of Health’s first-ever Teen Wellness Team, Malik will work with teens across the state to learn about public health and provide feedback on ODH programs that serve children and young adults ages 10 to 24 years.

“I wanted an opportunity to do something in my community,” said Malik, who was selected from an applicant pool of 650 students. “Policies are being made and we don’t have any say in them. I wanted some say in my environment.”

The Teen Wellness Team is a paid opportunity for high school students. Members meet virtually each month where they can get a deeper understanding of ODH programs and provide feedback. 

For Malik, being part of the statewide group is a chance to show why teens’ voices matter.

“To have the opportunity to affect something on a higher level is really important to me because I feel like I can prove that we can do things.”