Health Advocates

The Health Advocate Program provides training each year to selected individuals. These individuals provide successful peer health interventions and referrals in a timely manner.

Objectives

• Identify individuals who will lend themselves to training and skill development to meet the requirements of being a Health Advocate.
• Educate, stimulate, and provide an atmosphere of learning and camaraderie for the well rounded Health Advocate
• Upon graduation from the class, individuals will be able to respond and perform at optimum levels in both routine and emergency situations.
• Maintain a cadre of committed individuals who will provide confidential peer mental and physical first aid on a regular basis until he/she is no longer at Caltech.
• Instill in these individuals the importance of communication as a tool.
• Offer opportunities for volunteerism within the surrounding community.

Scope and Practice

Health Advocates upon successful completion of all the criteria required to pass the course will be certified and function at the level of Emergency Response (US DOT First Responder Curriculum) as per outline American Red Cross (ARC) Emergency Response Instructor Manual 2001 edition.

Health Advocates will function as peer counselors as per Caltech Counseling Center. Health Advocates are expected to make appropriate referrals for both physical and mental health as appropriate to the individual need. Health Advocates are expected to maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

Health Advocates will assist peers with non-emergency illness, injuries, and other health needs as warranted. The Health Advocate can be called upon to assist the Campus in a time of disaster.

A Holistic Approach to Student Health

The Health Advocate Program integrates the physical and mental aspects of health throughout the training program.  American Red Cross (ARC) certified instructor(s) in Emergency Response teach the physical health portion of the course.  Qualified individuals appointed from the Caltech Counseling Center will teach the mental health portions.  In the past, trainings have been provided on eating disorders, healthy relationships, conflict mediation, stress and time management and alcohol and drug use/abuse.

Class Format

The recommended class size is 15-18. The class meets every Wednesday night from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. unless otherwise notified. There is also a one session either Saturday or Sunday each term. Class does not meet during term breaks and finals week.  Absences must be communicated to the instructors prior to the absence unless it is due to sudden illness.  Quizzes are given each term and there is a final exam and practicum, where hands-on skills are demonstrated.

A portion of each class includes sharing, in a confidential atmosphere, the types of illnesses, injuries, etc. that occurred during the previous week.  Information is presented via lecture, videos, text, overheads, slides, and other media as available.  The class is a full year course and is worth 9 units of pass/fail.  Class course name is PA 50A, B, C.

Still interested?

Take a peek at the Health Advocate website for additional information.  Applications are accepted during the spring term (early May) for the following academic year.  Contact Mark Stapf, Director of the Health Advocate Program at mstapf@caltech.edu for additional information.