Recorded at the 2026 Healthy Desert Healthy You Summit in Rancho Mirage, host Will Dean talks with Olivia Rodriguez of the Youth Leadership Institute about helping Eastern Coachella Valley youth shape healthier communities. Olivia explains how poor air quality, limited infrastructure, and barriers to care affect mental health, especially in rural communities. She highlights youth research, welcoming community spaces, and trained peers and adult allies who can connect young people with trusted support. The conversation also explores social media, artificial intelligence, misinformation, and YLI’s HOPE campaign for healthier online platforms. Olivia shares why families, schools, and policymakers should include youth in developing solutions, and how residents can support local programs that strengthen connection, elevate youth voices, and advance environmental justice and community wellness for everyone.

Takeaways:

• Youth voices guide local priorities and solutions.
• Poor air quality affects youth mental health.
• Rural communities face barriers to mental healthcare.
• Trained peers connect youth with trusted resources.
• Welcoming community spaces strengthen connection and wellbeing.
• Social media and AI raise misinformation concerns.
• HOPE advocates for healthier online platforms.
• Include youth in decisions affecting their lives.

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