Wood County Health Department Announces Launch of PATCH Teen Consultant Program

Monday, August 12th, 2024 -- 10:00 AM

The Wood County Health Department announces the launch of the PATCH Teen Consultant program in Wood County.

PATCH WoCo will soon recruit a team of high school students to work as Teen Consultants. “Previously, this group has recruited Teen Educators to deliver workshops within Wisconsin Rapids and the surrounding area, but the change to the Teen Consultant Program will allow us to better meet youth and community needs in Wood County,” said Alyssa Gollon, Community Health Worker at the Wood County Health Department.

Through a competitive hiring process, they plan to hire a team of 6-8 youth who will make sure that the youth voice is included in youth-serving work in Wood County. They will do this in two ways.

Consulting Sessions: Consulting Sessions are typically 60-90 minute focus group-style meetings. Organizations, Projects, or Groups who are working on an effort relevant for adolescent health can request a consulting session.

They will be supported throughout the process by a PATCH Coordinator who will help with session preparation and facilitate the session itself, allowing clients to take notes, ask additional follow up questions, and answer questions raised by youth.

Community Presentations: PATCH Teen Consultants lend their voices through community presentations aimed at improving mental health and preventing alcohol and drug use, in partnership with the IMPACT Substance Prevention Coalition and the Nicotine Prevention Alliance of Central Wisconsin.

For more information or to schedule a consulting session or presentation with our youth, contact Alyssa Gollon, Community Health Worker, at 715-421-8931 or [email protected]. To learn more about the PATCH program visit www.patchprogram.org.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.