September 1, 2009
MACOMB, IL – -Western Illinois University’s Students T.A.L.K. peer educator applications are available for interested students, according to JoAnn Hairston-Jones, health education coordinator at Western’s Beu Health Center.
“Students ‘T.A.L.K.’ — teaching, awareness, listening and knowledge — was formed in the 1990s through Beu Health Center’s health education department,” said Hairston-Jones. “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. members will be at the Fall Student Activities Fair 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2 in the University Union; Students T.A.L.K. members will meet with interested students in the group’s gazebo in the Prairie Lounge (next to the University Union Grand Ballroom).
Hairston-Jones noted that Students T.A.L.K. members also receive certified peer education training from Bacchus Network; share health/wellness knowledge with peers; assist with “Stall Talk”; facilitate health awareness tables at the University Union; work together as a team to boost leadership skills; and have the option to receive course credit (HE210) for participation.
Peer educators meet weekly at 4:30 p.m. Mondays at Beu Health Center.
For more information, please contact Joelle Khairallah at (309) 298-1888, ext. 236, or J-Khairallah@wiu.edu or Hairston-Jones at (309) 298-1888, ext. 264, or J-Hairston-Jones@wiu.edu.
Copy By: Teresa Koltzenburg
