Hampden County DA's youth board shares key issues

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Over 200 people were at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield this morning for the Hampden County DA's Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Annual Conference.

The YAB is made up of 55 students from 24 high schools in Hampden County. Throughout the school year, they work with the DA's office to identify some of the main issues young people face today. Their work culminates with this conference, where they get to present their findings and recommendations.

Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni told 22News the YAB has become an instrumental tool when it comes to connecting to young people.

“They're telling us what is happening in their communities, it's stuff we might not even know of. Emerging issues. And it's different from Holland to Tolland and from Palmer to Holyoke to Springfield and we have representation from all of those different communties,” said Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni.

Student presentations focused on substance abuse, inclusion, mental health, and more. The DA's office says the YAB has continued to grow each year since its inception ten years ago.