1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. Health Services Division
Peer Education Modules Being
Taught Across the State

7. “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

8. “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.

9. “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.

10. 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

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

12. 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