Offender Peer Education in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Health Services Division, Office of Public Health Chris Black-Edwards, Director of Nursing Administration, Director III Office of Public Health Infection Control Dianna Langley, Peer Education Coordinator

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Offenders in jails and prisons are disproportionately affected by multiple health problems, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Other sexually transmitted infections Tuberculosis Viral Hepatitis

In 1998 The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) entered into a relationship with AIDS Foundation Houston, Inc. Pilot Program was conducted on 5 units The chosen units had a diverse population of offenders After 6 months an independent agency preformed an evaluation of the pilot program by administering pre-and post-tests to the offender participants These tests not only increased offenders’ knowledge after attending the program, but also impacted the offenders’ attitudes, beliefs and behaviors about HIV/AIDS

Peer Education Programs 100 of the 104 prison units have Peer Education Programs This includes Private Facilities, State Jails, Correctional Institutional Facilities

Annual Peer Education Health Conference Series Conferences provide updated information to the offender peer educators and allow for sharing of teaching methods. Experts are brought in to teach topics that affect the correction population at 6 conference sites HIV/AIDS Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Tuberculosis Hepatitis Safe Prisons Program Becoming a Better Educator How to Handle a Difficult Student Being Culturally Diverse in the Classroom

Health Services Division Peer Education Modules Being Taught Across the State

“Wall Talk” Peer Education Module First to be created in 2001 the original pilot program that was specific to HIV/AIDS to include Prevention, transmission, signs and symptoms, testing and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases Information on the immune system Making healthy decisions Gender-specific health information Resources from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services

“Woman to Woman” Peer Education Module In 2005, a complete course specific to women’s health issues was added that includes Reproductive health issues Emotional and mental wellness Prevention, transmission, sign and symptoms, testing and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases Information on the immune system Making healthy decisions Gender-specific health information Resources from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (DSHS) These courses are provided early in their incarceration in an effort to help the offender begin healthy lifestyle changes that can follow them through incarceration until their eventual discharge back into the community.

“Somebody Cares” Discharging Class Peer Education Module In 2012 this module was designed for soon-to-be released offenders with chronic disease, including HIV. The goal is to provide an effective, peer-led course that seeks to improve medical outcomes through education and medication adherence and access to medical resources. The program attempts to improve participants’ knowledge, attitudes, intention and self efficacy so that they can be more proactive in managing their care for their health following release.

The Somebody Cares program provides information and includes the following AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Texas HIV Medication Program (THMP) Case Managers Medication Adherence Medication Resistance Risk of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Recognizing Sexually Transmitted Diseases Statewide Resources for Individuals who are HIV Positive

Reentry and Relationships Old Habits Stigma Friends and Supportive Relationships Narcotics Anonymous Alcoholics Anonymous

In the 20 Years Since Peer Education Program Began… In the 20 Years Since Peer Education Program Began…..In the Calendar Year 2018 TDCJ has trained 6,995 offender peer educators Of that number, 1,466 are active in the system today In the fiscal year of 2018, 401 offenders trained to become peer educators In the fiscal year of 2018, 87,835 offenders attended classes presented by peer educators Of the 104 units across the state, 100 have peer education programs