The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #73668

Durrell Fox, BSBA, New England HIV Education Consortium & Boston HAPPENS, 23 Miner Street Floor G, Boston, MA 02215, 617-262-5657, dfoxnehec@aol.com

Peer education is a proven method for educating many different populations about health and other community related issues. Youth peer education is one of the most effective ways to disseminate prevention/harm reduction information to youth. There are many models where the peer educator’s role is that of a youth CHW. Peer educators, like CHWs, are training in many health and wellness topic areas, and are usually from the communities they serve, giving them direct insight into the issues of that community. The health of the family and community can sometimes be measured by the health outcomes of adolescent young adults in those families and communities. Many times, if the youth have poor health indicators (high rates of risky behaviors, STDs, HIV, pregnancy, and violence), the family and indeed the entire community may have poor health indicators. As we develop the field of community health work we must continue to develop linkages between peer education programs and CHW programs, noting that some youth peer educators (also know as youth CHWs) may develop into adult CHWs. As we do CHW workforce development we should create innovative mentorship and networking opportunities for adult and youth CHW partnerships. San Francisco area youth programs will co-present in this session.

Learning Objectives:

1)discuss youth development as it relates to peer education 2)learn how peer educators are doing community health work in many communities across the country
• be challenged to develop innovative approaches to involve youth peer educators in their CHW programs.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.