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Youth Advisory Council

For Families & Patients

Our Motto: We ARE The Children Here!

Who knows Children's better than patients? As members of YAC we draw on our experiences to help Children’s be the best place possible for kids.

YAC is a dedicated group of patients, ages 10 to 18, offering practical ideas on how to help Children’s focus even more closely on the special needs of children and teens. They eagerly voice their opinions, from choices of food on the hospital menu to how they want adults at Children’s to relate to them.

See what members say about their experience on YAC.
Member Profiles

YAC helps tell Children's story


   Kalen, now on his second term on YAC, is featured on the cover of Children's 2007 annual report. Our annual report is published only once a year and is mailed to more than 18,000 people in Minnesota and around the country to help tell Children's story. Thanks, Kalen, and YAC, for your vital role in making Children's an even better place.
See Children's 2007 annual report (PDF)

We're Making a Difference

We take seriously our role of representing other patients. We’re eager to find opportunities to talk with patients and staff to let them know about the council’s role. Here are some of the projects we're currently working on:

Improving technology available to patients, such as a broader selection of TV channels, DVDs, and electronic games, and improved Internet access
Making it easier to order food from the menu
Providing education from the patient perspective to residents, medical students, and managers
Giving our feedback on design projects

Teen pre-surgery video
YAC created a teen pre-surgery video to answer a lot of your questions.


   Play the video
(5.23 minutes: English, Lus Hmoob, Iyo Soomalli,
En Español)

See other pre-surgery videos
"Welcome to Children's" video
YAC also helped with a great new "welcome" video that answers a lot of important questions you and your parents might have about visiting Children's.


   Play the video
Lus Hmoob, Iyo Soomalli, En Español




Meetings and Membership

YAC meets once a month between September and May. Meetings are for two hours. We alternate meetings on the Children’s - Minneapolis and Children’s - St. Paul campuses.

For information on joining YAC, call child life at (612) 813-6259 or
(651) 220-6465. Applications are accepted in April, May, and June 2008

YAC Application (PDF)

YAC Top 10

Things to bring with you to the hospital...
  1. Your own blanket, pillow, and a stuffed animal
  2. Children’s has pjs, or you can bring loose pjs from home
  3. Slippers and socks; sometimes you can wear your own clothes
  4. A hat...so you don’t get “bed head!”
  5. Toothbrush, comb, lotion, and personal items
  6. Favorite CDs, DVDs, games, books, art supplies, and other fun activities
  7. Things that help you relax, like music
  8. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of family and friends
  9. Questions for doctors, nurses, and other care givers
  10. A positive attitude—everyone is here to help you! You will do great!

Share Your Ideas

Help us better represent all patients at Children’s! Tell us about a positive experience, or something that could be made better. E-mail us
These are the inspiring and real tales of our patients and their family members. Read others' and share yours here.