Peer Education
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Since 1992, Adagio Health's Peer Education Program has effectively
worked to reduce teen pregnancies, reduce the spread of STDs, and improve
teen health. Currently, peer education programs are active in five counties
of western Pennsylvania
- Allegheny
- Erie
- Fayette
- Lawrence
Adagio Health's peer education programs recruit and train local, college-age
students to work as group leaders, role models, and facilitators in
school- and community-based workshops.
Peer educators are trained to provide important health information in an interactive format. Peer educators enhance their skills in teaching and public speaking as they instruct younger teens about health issues. Peer educators are trained to provide instruction on nearly two dozen topics, such as:
- anatomy and physiology
- HIV/AIDS prevention
- decision-making skills
- self esteem
- dating violence
- teen pregnancy prevention
- conflict resolution
Topics are selected by the classroom teacher or community organizer who requests the peer education session(s).
When peer educators visit a middle or high school, they typically work in a team of four and present information to as many as 200 students during six or seven class sessions. Teaching techniques such as games and other non-traditional learning activities are used to reinforce information conveyed using more traditional teaching styles. For example, a class will begin with an "icebreaker" activity to put students at ease and might conclude with a special game of "Jeopardy."
Since its inception, strong community acceptance of the Peer Education Program has resulted in diverse requests for services. Services range from weekly presentations for high school students to training to enhance communication skills for health educators. Peer educators have even provided lessons for resident physicians from local hospitals.
If you want to schedule a peer education program, call:
- Allegheny County: 412-288-2130, ext. 176
- Erie County: 814-452-0224
- Fayette County: 724-437-8328
- Lawrence County: 724-654-0151
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