LEARNING HUB
PATCH
providers and Teens Communicating for Health
PATCH for HOPE Buffalo
PATCH (Providers and Teens Communicating for Health) is an innovative, youth-driven program working to ensure all youth are able to receive high-quality, youth-friendly healthcare services.
We hire youth (ages 15 to 19) and train them as Teen Educators. As Teen Educators, they lead PATCH workshops and share their authentic youth experiences, concerns and preferences. We believe THEY are best equipped to provide this insight.
Workshops
PATCH FOR PROVIDERS
- Teen-delivered
- Appropriate for all types of healthcare professionals
- Equips healthcare professionals with skills to ensure an environment that prioritizes confidentiality, judgment-free care, and effective communication strategies that resonate with teens
PATCH for Teens
- Peer-to-peer learning
- Empowers youth to manage their own healthcare experience
- Equips youth with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the healthcare system and advocate for teen-friendly services
Schedule a Workshop
- To schedule a workshop, click here to complete our registration form and we will get in touch with you shortly.
Apply to be a Teen Educator
As a Teen Educator, you will work with other teens and adults to improve your community.
You will be asked to do the following:
- Attend and participate in a teen educator in-person training in Buffalo. The trainings (12 hours total) will take place between August 22-26 at the UB Gateway Building, 77 Goodell St, Buffalo 14203.
- Regularly attend and participate in two enrichment meetings each month
- Facilitate PATCH for HOPE Buffalo workshops (one for healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses and others; one for other teens like you) throughout the program year
- Provide a teen’s voice and act as a representative at community events and conferences
- Be a reliable source of information for other teens
- Advocate for change in your community and healthcare systems
You are encouraged to apply if you:
- Are between ages 15 and 19
- Live in the following zip codes: 14206, 14211, 14215
- Are available for the mandatory training dates between August 22-26.
- Can work well with others and enjoy being part of a team
- Demonstrate responsibility and reliability, including:
• Maintaining strong communication
via email and in person
• Attending all virtual meetings/events on time
• Demonstrating dedication to the work
- Are willing to learn and be open-minded
- Are passionate about making sure all youth can get the healthcare they need and deserve
What will I gain from PATCH for HOPE Buffalo?
You will automatically be a part of HOPE Buffalo: The Pledge for Healthy Teens and you will gain valuable leadership and advocacy experience, become more familiar with important health topics that impact teens, develop communication and presentation skills, and so much more.
Being a PATCH for HOPE Buffalo Teen Educator is an impressive accomplishment to include on college applications and job résumés.
You will also be compensated for your time. You will receive $120 in gift cards upon completion of the required trainings, and a $15 gift card for attending enrichment meetings and facilitating workshops. Your work hours vary, depending on how many healthcare providers and/or teen workshops you will be facilitating (approximately 2 to 10 hours each month).
Important Dates
- Application Due— June 30, 2022
- Trainings (attendance mandatory)— August 22, 23, 24, 25, 26.
The trainings will take place at the UB Gateway Building, 77 Goodell St, Buffalo 14203.
TAKE THE PLEDGE
As a member of the Buffalo community, I commit to the aspirations of the HOPE Buffalo initiative to help our teens grow into the adults they want to be. Collectively, we can build a promising future for the City of Buffalo!
The project described was supported by Grant Number 5 TP1AH000213-02-00 from the HHS Office of Population Affairs. Contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Department of Health and Human Services or the Office of Population Affairs.
© 2022: CICATELLI ASSOCIATES INC.