The success of this peer approach to health promotion lies in the power of students to educate and empower their peers to make healthy decisions and maintain healthy behaviors. Because of the strong foundation of Peer Health Education at UVA, the services and programs these students are able to provide continue to grow and evolve.
History
- Established in 1971
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Following the decision to admit women to UVA, a group of students joined together to educate peers about sexuality issues. Comprised primarily of Resident Staff, this group developed programs, conducted workshops, and distributed educational materials. They published a booklet about sexuality called “An Ounce of Prevention.” The group called itself the Counselors Committee on Human Sexuality (CCHS).
- Growth and Expansion in the 70's and 80's
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CCHS rebranded as the Peer Sexuality Educators (PSEs) in ‘80. Other peer education groups formed including the Peer Alcohol Educators (PAEs) in ‘85 and Peer Lifestyle Educators (PLEs) in ‘86.
- Holistic Approach in the 90's
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The first annual 4th Year 5K Race took place on the morning of the last home football game in ’92. The PSEs and PLEs integrated to become the Peer Health Educators (PHE) in ‘93. In response to growing concern about alcohol and other drug use at UVA, a new peer education group, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team (ADAPT), formed in ’99.
- Emphasis on Evidence-Based Interventions in the 00's
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The first Student Interns were selected to help lead the PHEs and coordinate programming. A 3-credit course in the UVA School of Education and Human Development was established as part of the required training to become a peer educator. While being mindful of tradition, an increased focus was put on evaluation and evidence-based programming.
- Reimagining Peer Education in the 20's
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The PHEs and ADAPT peer educators united and re-branded as the UVA Peer Health Educators in ‘20 to increase collaboration opportunities and further explore the intersections of health promotion topics. As Student Health and Wellness settled into the new building, the PHEs were tasked with reimagining peer education in the new decade.