Health: Physical

Peer Health Educators

Youth ages 14-18 are eligible to become employed at RHI as a Peer Health Educator (PHE). This year-long training focuses on reproductive health education including: sex and sexuality, menstruation, sexually transmitted infections, HIV, sexual decision making, and counseling techniques. They then use this knowledge to teach workshops to young people in Red Hook. PHEs escort peers to medical appointments and provide one-on-one counseling.
• Group: Tuesdays, Thursdays, 5:30 - 7:30pm.
• Workshops: various times throughout the week.

Peer Health Educators at the 2011 Sister Song Conference, Miami, FL

Young Mothers Empowerment Program

Teenage pregnancy is a serious issue in the Red Hook community. RHI created the YMEP in response to the needs of this population. This weekly group coaches young mothers in strategies to complete their education, secure employment, learn the skills needed to care for an infant, and provides case management around housing, legal issues and financial support. Young women are able to provide support for each other as they reach individual goals.
• Fridays 5:00 - 7:00pm; individual counseling during the week.

Access to Health Services

RHI works to promote positive health practices by offering regular health screenings and assisting residents with referrals for care. RHI focuses prevention and education around diabetes, asthma, blood pressure, and heart disease. Our staff support with food stamps, health insurance enrollment, and getting a medical appointment.
• As scheduled

HIV Testing and Prevention Education

We provide confidential, free testing in a safe and welcoming environment, daily. RHI spearheads a community-wide HIV education and testing event at multiple sites in Red Hook on a quarterly basis. These events correspond with National HIV Testing Day in June and World AIDS Day in December. Our Health Educators provide workshops and teen-focused activities on HIV prevention throughout the year.
• As scheduled.

Fitness and Nutrition Programs

Throughout the year, RHI provides programs that focus on fitness and nutrition. Healthy cooking classes allow participants to try new recipes and healthy ingredients in a group setting. Seasonal programs assist participants in setting goals and using group support to reach them. Some of these include Red Hook's Biggest Weight Loss Challenge, Passport to Summer, and Winning Walkers.
• As scheduled.

RHI Dancers perform at the 2011 Waterfront Arts Festival

Community Nursing Project

RHI collaborates with LIU School of Nursing. Each semester nursing students volunteer "community health" hours to agencies in Red Hook. Students conduct health assessments, create new protocols, provide education, and work with partner organizations to improve wellness. Each semester 560 hours are donated to improving public health in Red Hook.
• As scheduled.