Red Cross of the National Capital Area: Teen Voice

Teen Voice! is a program designed to increase awareness about HIV and AIDS among teenagers through peer education. The focus is both on learning the facts about HIV and AIDS and helping youth examine their own personal risk behaviors.

Peer educators are youth aged 14 and above who attend a 2 day training and then deliver presentations to their peers at various community based organizations and institutions. Adult program coordinators and mentors work closely with the peer educators to provide assistance and guidance in their peer-education pursuits as well as their development of life-skills.

Program Goals:

• To provide youth with an opportunity to gain through, factual knowledge about HIV and AIDS


• To encourage youth to examine their own personal risk behaviors and choices related to drug use and sexual activity, (by doing so, they will become empowered to make positive decisions relating to their health behavior)


• To increase awareness about HIV and AIDS among teenagers and young adults through peer education

Adult Mentors assist teenage educators in marketing TEEN VOICE! and scheduling presentations. They provide support and guidance during TEEN VOICE! sessions.

Contact Barbara Burns at 202-303-4523 or by e-mail to schedule a presentation or for more information about becoming a Peer Educator or Adult Mentor.