For over 20 years, digitally, and in classrooms, Peer Health Exchange (PHE) has been making sustained impact in New York City, equipping young people with the necessary tools to make informed decisions about their well-being. This year, near-peer PHE Health Facilitator Fellows are delivering curriculum to approximately 3,000 New York students via 13 school partners. Peer Health Exchange’s online platform, selsea.org, reaches 27,000 New York users.
Health Facilitator Fellow Missy Roney delivers skills-based health education to high school students in New York. She said of her work,“The near-peer model allows me to have the unique role of being in a sort of ‘older sibling’ position, where I can relate to students but also have the personal experience to share resources and information that I have learned in my own ‘coming of age’ journey. It is incredible seeing the students' knowledge, skills, and confidence grow throughout the semester as I share with them how they have autonomy over their own health, and all the options that exist to them in NYC for making health decisions.”
Fellows receive training and professional development in classroom management, trauma-informed instruction, mental health first aid, as well as harm-reduction training. Peer Health Exchange works hand-in-hand with youth leaders to ensure PHE curriculum remains relevant and responsive to the needs of young people. Community Youth Advocates, another PHE initative in New York, strives to work with young people to identify and address youth-specific needs in their communities. Eduardo Ildefonso, Community Liaison Manager in New York, explained, “PHE has opened my eyes to how students within NYC are still lacking equal emotional, mental, and sexual health education. Our organization is providing them with equal opportunities through direct impact within their communities. PHE is a safe, creative, and experimental space for building youth leaders.
Peer Health Exchange’s web app selfsea.org provides health information and resources to hundreds of thousands of young people each year. selfsea.org is also home to over 60 local resources specifically tailored to the NYC area, all reviewed and approved by the Youth Design Group. The resources cover topics from housing centers, to mental health programs, to support for trans and non binary youth, and more. Check out the New York resources on selfsea here.
Peer Health Exchange’s upcoming Youth First event in New York will take place Wednesday, May 8th, 2024 at the Bowery Hotel in Manhattan. This is an amazing opportunity to learn more about Peer Health Exchange in New York, and witness a showcase of the incredible work PHE Fellows and young people are leading in the city. Attendees will hear from Health Facilitators, youth leaders, and CEO Dr. Angela Glymph. The event will also feature both silent and live auctions, where unique items and experiences will be up for bid, with all proceeds supporting PHE. To register, visit the New York event page on the PHE website. If you are unable to attend, Peer Health Exchange encourages donations, which make it possible for its work to reach young people with critical resources, identity-affirming support, and health education.