OCALA—Julie Marie Carrier, teen success coach for MTV’s hit show Made, and Rashad Jones of Epic Youth Services will headline the 11th Annual BRAZEN Youth Rally 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at Howard Middle School.

Sponsored by the Florida Department of Health in Marion County, the free event is open to children and teens ages 11–18. The rally will offer music, games, contests and prizes, including the chance to win a free tablet. Lunch is free and doors open at 9:30 a.m. Howard Middle School is located at 1655 NW 10th St. in Ocala.

Using the theme, “Looking Within the Selfie,” speakers will help children and teens work through the issues they face daily: self-esteem, character, peer pressure, making responsible decisions and more.

“Our children and teens today face more pressure and negative influences than we’ve seen before,” said Meaghan Crowley, the department’s Health Education program manager. “Media messages promote risky behaviors, attitudes towards sex continue to change, and social media helps spread myths on these topics. The BRAZEN program helps children and teens reflect on their personal values, set goals and take a stand against negative influences.”

BRAZEN is the Sexual Risk Avoidance program of the Florida Department of Health in Marion County. The program educates the community on healthy decision-making, helping to build character and self-confidence in the children and teens of Marion County.

For more information call Tracey Sapp at 352-629-0137, ext. 2284.

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The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit Marion.FloridaHealth.gov.