Youth Health

WHAT IS PATCH?

PATCH stands for Providers and Teens Communicating for Health.

At PATCH, we want all youth to be healthy, connected, & thriving. That’s why we work to improve adolescent health & wellbeing alongside & in true partnership with youth, like you!

WHAT IS THE TEEN CONSULTANT PROGRAM?

We believe that healthcare practices, programs, and policies should be developed with young people rather than just for them. We want to make sure teen voices are included in decisions that affect them.

In this program, we ask YOU to be the expert and share what you know about being a teen, like:

 • What are the biggest concerns you and your peers have about health and health care?

• What are the things that make you comfortable or uncomfortable accessing health and health care services?

• Where are you and your friends finding health information?

• What information and resources do you and your peers need?

• And so much more!

You will spend time throughout the year learning alongside other teens to develop the skills needed to make an impact and create change in your community. You will use the skills and knowledge gained through PATCH to give feedback to people working on projects related to adolescent health through regular consulting sessions

  • As a Youth Advocate you will be asked to:

    • Commit to a 9-month program from August 2025-May 2026

    • Attend and fully participate in an in-person training at the start of the program year.

    • This training is scheduled for:

      • August 19th:-3:00pm to 7:00pm

      • August 21st-9:00am to 1:00pm

      • August 26th-3:00pm to 7:00pm

      • August 28th-9:00am to 12:00pm

    • Attend and participate in two-hour enrichment meetings twice a month,

    • Participate in consulting opportunities, sharing your opinions and perspectives in focus group style meetings with organizations working on projects that impact youth.

    • Create and present presentations to community members including parents, adolescents, school admins, etc., on topics of concern in the community.

    • Provide teen voice and act as a teen representative at community events and conferences.

    • Be a reliable source of information for other teens.

    • Advocate for change in your community and health care systems.

    *Most Teen Consultants work between 4-8 hours each month. The amount of time spent on PATCH each week will depend upon what events you sign up for.

  • You are encouraged to apply if you:

    • Live in Wood County.

    • Will be 14-18 years old by the time this application is due (August 9th, 2025).

    • Enjoy being part of a team and are looking for a community of peers from across the state.

    • Demonstrate responsibility and reliability.

    • This includes:

    1. Keeping up good communication via e-mail and other online spaces.

    2. Showing up to all meetings and events on time.

    3. Demonstrating dedication to the mission and vision of PATCH.

    • Are willing to learn and be open-minded.

    • Are passionate about making sure ALL youth can access the resources they need to be healthy and well.

  • As a PATCH Teen Consultant, you will gain:

    • valuable leadership experience improved communication and presentation skills.

    • access to interesting and up-to-date health information professional mentorship.

    • an opportunity to use your voice to create statewide change.

    • statewide connections to expand your network.

    Participating in PATCH is also an impressive accomplishment to include on college applications and job resumes.

    You will also be paid for your time.

    • You will receive $100 for completing the training at the start of the program and $15/hour for each enrichment meeting and consulting opportunity.

    • The total amount you will receive each month will vary based on the number of events you attend and hours you work.