WORKSHOP 7 - HEALTH ISSUES

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his is the first of three workshops where invited guests with specific technical knowledge will be the main workshop presenters. Health educators familiar with issues that affect the targeted community will be most effective in answering the difficult questions that arise during these sessions. It is important that the guests respect the role of the Master Teacher as a helper who can respond to health issues in the neighborhood.
WORKSHOP 7 - HEALTH ISSUES Exercise 1: Setting the Agenda

Exercise 2: Identifying Outside Resources

PROGRAM EVALUATION

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

Background

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urrent statistics cite those in poverty as most at risk of health problems. Young children often suffer lead poisoning. Dangerous environments place children of any age at risk of injury. Lack of adequate nutrition and preventative health care cause ongoing bouts with illness and disease. Recent statistics cite an increase of infant mortality, sexually transmitted disease, and AIDS, especially in the ranks of today's teens.

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ecause, nationally, problems related to sexual activity are currently the greatest concern, a health specialist who is knowledgeable relative to sexually transmitted disease, family planning, AIDS, and pre-and post-natal pregnancy would be an important initial trainer to answer health related questions. Monthly trainings subsequent to this initial series and other health issues con be addressed.

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eens are confused about sexuality issues. Adults are confused about how to talk about sex. AIDS has become a frightening topic of discussion. Teen pregnancies are on the increase for "children" ages 14 and under. Date rape and confused expectations related to sexual relationships are difficult topics for men and women of all cultural orientations. Though educational flyers and programs are available, many who are most at risk of problems related to sexual issues do not benefit from their message. Many cannot even read the flyers. Many feel it will not happen to them. Many are "program deaf," not ready to listen to any intervening outside agency.

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aster Teachers aware of special health knowledge can informally share information with those who trust them. They can discourage irresponsible sexual activity as a caring friend, rather than a policing agency through helping youth understand appropriate heterosexual relationships. They can enforce the fact that sexual disease can happen to anyone who is not careful. They can discourage premature sexual activity through ending some of the myths that "all teens are doing it." They can prevent teen pregnancies through offering neighborhood parents and teens, when appropriate, information relative to pregnancy prevention.

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forum for discussion of this topic will give Master Teachers information and confidence needed when approaching others to discuss issues of sexuality.

Goal:

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o prepare trainees to effectively share health information with their friends, neighbors and relatives through offering accurate information about relevant health issues and resources available in the community.

Objectives:

- To share with trainees, via a trained professional, technical information relative to health problems that affect the targeted community;

- To connect the trainees with outside health professionals and agencies that specialize in programming related to sexuality;

- To provide a forum for problem-solving.

Materials Needed:

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efreshments, newsprint listing the topics to be addressed during the evening, handouts and flyers that describe the programs of quality health agencies in the community, materials that might be requested by the invited guest.

Exercise 1: Setting the Agenda

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ecause the health needs of the targeted community are many and workshop time is limited, parameters should be set around the issues to be discussed. The steering committee should have already identified the key health problems in the neighborhood. These issues should be listed on newsprint. Explain that these topics will be explored this evening. Other topics will be explored in the future.

1. Using the newsprint listing, review the issues to be discussed. Explain that in the future other topics will be explored. Encourage the group to ask questions.

2. Introduce the guest speaker, describe his/her background, and explain why you feel this person is especially appropriate to the audience.

3. Have each trainee introduce him/herself. Ask the trainees to briefly mention any issue specific to the agenda that they would like to hear about.

4. Either hand the meeting over to the guest or begin the information sharing part of the workshop. The first 45 minutes should focus on information sharing. The last part of the workshop should leave plenty of time for sharing the problem-solving.

Exercise 2: Identifying Outside Resources

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sk the guest presenter to comment on specific resources he/she views as especially effective in addressing health issues. Seek recommendations of resource people who would be willing to answer the trainees' questions should a health problem arise needing technical information. Handouts listing specific support agencies should be available.

Closing the Meeting

1. Remind the group that the next topic to be explored will be the role of helping agencies.

2. Give examples of agency helpers (e.g., social workers, clinical social workers, welfare workers).

3. Define the role of a clinical social worker and give a general background of the next guest who will address the group.

4. Encourage the group to be on time so there will be plenty of time to explore the issue.

PROGRAM EVALUATION

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sk the group members to fill out an evaluation form. Remind them that the evaluation will help you be more effective. Ask meeting participants to leave the evaluations with you as they go.

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

1. Which health information shared this evening will be most important to you as you help others?



2. What is one thing you can do to address health issues in your neighborhood?



3. What is one health topic you would like to hear more information about?



4. What is one thing you would change about this workshop?



5. What is one thing that made this workshop worthwhile?



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