Peer Health Exchange is proud to partner with MSU Denver to provide comprehensive health education to youth in the Denver and Aurora communities. Through this collaboration, MSU Denver students are hired to facilitate a skills-based health curriculum in nearby under-resourced high schools, equipping both students and facilitators with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to make healthy decisions and address healthcare disparities.
The partnership between PHE and MSU Denver was born in 2018 out of the organization’s desire to explore affiliate partnerships, extending its work to communities outside of PHE’s traditional five cities. The MSU Denver partnership became Peer Health Exchange’s first affiliate program, and currently reaches over 300 students through its two school partners, GALS School and Vista Academy. With funding from a recent grant set to expand, the partnership aims to reach more schools and hire additional Denver MSU student facilitators.
Under the leadership of Dr. Erin Seedorf, Associate Professor and Assistant Chair of the Department of Health Professions and Public Health Program Coordinator at MSU Denver, the program has touched both University and high school students in the area. "Our partnership has not only brought PHE's curriculum to many young folks in Denver, but they also continuously inspire me with their innovative ways of centering the needs of young people," said Miriam Perez, Director of Community Innovations at PHE.
The curriculum focuses on substance use, mental health and emotional support, accessing resources, and personal identity. Through engaging and interactive lessons, MSU Denver students facilitate discussions and activities that empower young people to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Earlier this year, Senior Manager of Evaluation Dr. Derrika Hunt and Miriam Perez, Director of Community Innovations, witnessed classroom sessions first-hand. "Our Denver program uniquely connects youth from diverse schools in the area, MSU Denver, and a dedicated team of near-peer health facilitators to create a dynamic initiative that has a profound impact on multiple levels," said Dr. Derrika Hunt. "Being in Denver and witnessing the breadth and depth of our impact left a lasting impression on me. I had a chance to hear directly from youth and facilitators how this program has changed their lives in very positive ways."
PHE and MSU Denver are committed to deepening their partnership and supporting innovative practices in Denver. By providing more opportunities for young people at the high school and college level to engage with PHE, they aim to create a lasting impact on the health and well-being of the community.
For more information about Peer Health Exchange and their work, please visit www.peerhealthexchange.org.