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Fall 2008 members of Students T.A.L.K.: (L to R) Dominique Crudup, Rebecca Groves, Samantha Pollock, Kourtney Knox, Samantha Trimarco, Bonnie Colemen, Brittany Barrett, Linda Robinson and Jason Griggs
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Beu Health Center Peer Educator Group Seeking New Members for 2009

January 20, 2009

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Health and wellness have been top of mind at Western Illinois University during the 2008-2009 academic year, as WIU celebrates and promotes this year's University theme "Health and Wellness: Challenges and Responsibilities." But for past, current and future members of Beu Health Center's peer educator group, "Students T.A.L.K.," the topics of health and wellness have been part of the group's core since it began almost 20 years ago.

"Students 'T.A.L.K.' -- teaching, awareness, listening and knowledge -- was formed in the 1990s through Beu Health Center's health education department," said JoAnn Hairston-Jones, health education coordinator at Western's Beu Health Center. "The wellness concept is the foundation for the group's activities, which includes creating programs for individuals who live in WIU's residence halls and in Greek residences, as well as for awareness events, including Sexual Responsibility Week, Safe Spring Break, the Great American Smokeout, Breast Cancer Awareness, flu shot clinics and the handwashing promotion for hygiene and illness prevention."

According to Hairston-Jones, Students T.A.L.K. is looking for four to six new members for Spring and Fall 2009.

"Members are provided with certified peer education training -- which includes modules on listening skills, responding and referral skills, cultural competence, programming and presentation skills, as well as self wellness and health -- from the Bacchus Network," she said. "In addition to lifelong skill building, the training prepares the students to work as a team. The group also provides students with a great opportunity to get involved on campus and participate in a network of individuals interested in making a difference and gives students the option of receiving course credit for the experience," Hairston-Jones added.

Spring and Fall 2009 Students T.A.L.K. members will need to be able to attend weekly meetings from 4:30–5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, complete the certified peer education training (10 hours) provided by Bacchus and be available to assist with program requests and activities as needed. Qualifications include the desire to work with a team and develop skills to assist peers with wellness choices.

To request an application, contact Hairston-Jones at (309) 298-1888, ext. 264, or J-Hairston-Jones@wiu.edu or Rebecca Groves, Beu health education graduate assistant, at (309) 298-1888, ext. 235, or RJ-Groves@wiu.edu. Applications are due on or before Tuesday, Jan. 27, or students can attend an interest session at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 28, in the Beu Health Center Gazebo at the Student Activities Fair in the Union Grand Ballroom.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing