June 1, 2009

PAID SUMMER PROGRAM AIMS TO PROMOTE HEALTH
WHILE OPENING DOORS FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS
 

Local high school students can gain experience in leadership, advocacy, peer education, and public health by participating in a paid pilot program co-sponsored by the Pasadena Public Health Department.

SPIIn, or Students Promoting Immunization Now, aims to give young adults intensive leadership training while having fun. The teen team’s challenge will be to create effective peer education programs through collaborative dialogue.

The focus is on civic leadership in public health – getting youths involved in efforts to promote healthy behaviors, prevent the spread of diseases among teens and raise awareness among peers about immunization, a timely challenge given concerns about the recent swine flu virus.
Participants who fulfill their commitment will receive a stipend of $500.

The SPIIn program includes 12 sessions, meeting on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon starting June 29. Applications will be accepted until June 15, and space is limited.

SPIIn is co-sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, California Department of Public Health Immunization Branch and Sanofi Pasteur.

Informational meetings are available by calling Robin Sohmer at (626) 744-6153 or emailing rsohmer@cityofpasadena.net.