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What a Year! PATCH 2024–2025 Wrapped with Power, Purpose & Passion

  • Ondalee Horton
  • Jul 1
  • 2 min read

On May 21, PATCH officially wrapped up another incredible program year — and wow, what a ride it’s been!


As we look back on the 2024–2025 cycle, we’re overflowing with pride in our amazing Teen Educators. These young leaders stepped up, spoke out, and sparked change in their communities. They didn’t just learn — they led.


All year long, PATCH created spaces where teens could be real — where it was safe to learn, ask questions, speak up, and build skills they’ll carry for life. From tackling big health topics to developing leadership chops, our teens weren’t just along for the ride — they were in the driver’s seat.


Some Highlights from an Epic Year:

  • Navigating the wild world of social media safety

  • Getting hands-on in a blood pressure workshop

  • Raising awareness around vaping, substance use & mental health

  • Digging into what makes healthy vs. unhealthy relationships

  • Exploring cultural competency, implicit bias & how to fight it

  • Prepping for life after high school in our college transition session (Shoutout to the 8 seniors heading off this fall! 🎓💥)

  • Learning about cancer awareness and prevention


These weren’t your average sit-and-listen sessions — our teens led the conversations, shared their truths, and inspired those around them. They showed up. They showed out.


This year, PATCH proudly delivered:

  • 5 PATCH for Teens workshops

  • 4 PATCH for Providers workshops


Each session was crafted with one goal in mind: empowering youth to become fierce health advocates while helping providers better connect with and support their teen patients. It’s all about bridging the gap — one voice, one story, one conversation at a time.


We’re giving the biggest high-five to our graduating seniors — we’re beyond proud of you and can’t wait to see all the places you’ll go!

And as we close this chapter, we’re already hyped for what’s next. A new crew of Teen Educators is on the way for 2025–2026, and our returning team is ready to keep building something bold.


PATCH isn’t just a program — it’s a movement. A space where young voices grow louder, stronger, and more powerful every day.



 
 

Erie Niagara Area

Health Education Center 

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This project is supported in part by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Grant number U77HP16459, as well as in part by the NYS Department of Health, under the project title New York State Area Health Education Center System.  The information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the NYS or U.S. Governments.

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