Peer Health Advocates

What is Peer Health Advocates?

Peer Health Advocates (PHA) is a peer-to-peer volunteer organization committed to enhancing the health of the OSU community through outreach events.

PHA volunteers conduct campus activities designed to raise awareness about college health issues and promote healthy behavior choices among our peers. Past events and projects have included awareness of safer sex behaviors, the annual World AIDS Day Red Dress Fashion Show, impact of stress, alcohol and substance abuse, and other health related issues.

Students involved with PHA are rewarded with opportunities to grow in their leadership potential, and are involved with meaningful opportunities to make a difference within the OSU community.

Peer Health Advocates is open and available to all OSU students, and is dedicated to promoting an open exchange of information, ideas, opinions and inclusiveness of all students, including: race/ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, and religion.

Volunteers must be OSU students registered at least half-time and in academic good standing. PHA is a commitment of at least 2 hours per week. Attendance to at least 80% of weekly Wednesday night meetings (5-6pm) and weekly project committee meetings is mandatory.

How can you become a volunteer?

Becoming a volunteer is a two-step process. The first step is to complete an application online during the open application period (see below) to indicate your interst in joining PHA. Note: Applications submitted outside of the open application period will not be processed. After review of your application, you will receive an email regarding your status in joining. Once approved, the next step is to then enroll in the training course (H349: Peer Helper Skills) during or prior to your first term with PHA.

NOTE: All new volunteers must enroll in H349 or audit the course and complete the it in good standing. The course is listed under Public Health in the course catalog and is available each term.

Online applications will be processed during the following times:

Fall 2011: Not accepting applications for fall.

Winter 2012: Closed. No longer accepting applications for winter.

Spring 2012: OPEN! We will be accepting applications January 31-February 17 of winter term.

What is in it for you?

If you become a peer health educator or volunteer you will be rewarded with...

• Making a difference in the health of OSU students
• Improved leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Resume enhancement
• Recognition for volunteerism and advocacy
• Increased knowledge about health and social justice
• Find a variety of meaningful volunteer opportunities in student health activities, projects, and programs
• Gain hands-on knowledge and experience
• Develop great new relationships while working to educate and empower your fellow students

What do Peer Health Advocates do?

Peer Health Advocate volunteers participate on outreach planning teams, attend weekly PHA meetings, and engage in skill/team building activities. 

Questions?

Contact the PHA Office at 541-737-3927, the PHA Coordinator at 541-737-7555. or email Peer.Advocates[at]oregonstate[dot]edu.