The Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education Volume 3, Number 1 1 Champions for Outreach and Advocacy for Campus and Community Health: A College-Based Peer Health Coach Program Vanessa Duren-Winfield, Kimya Nance, Elijah O Onsomu, Peggy Valentine, Michael McKenzie, Arthur Roberts A BSTRACT Few studies have investigated the role Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) students can play in addressing chronic diseases among themselves, their peers, and local community. An overview of a peer health promotion education strategy is provided. Ten students completed an eight-week health disparities curriculum while providing health information and screening to 1,525 campus and community residents. A description of the program and recommendations are provided. Findings support the need for peer student health educators in HBCUs as a model to improve campus and community health outcomes. INTRODUCTION College students’ health is an important topic of concern in the United States. The choices that students make can place them at risk for acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), unplanned pregnancies, and violence. Further, the development of unhealthy eating habits, inadequate exercise, and alcohol or drug use may set the stage for chronic diseases in the future (American College Health Association [AMA], 2007; Ehlinger, 2009; Laska et al., 2009). If health risks are not addressed, the quality of life and longevity may be adversely affected (Rew & Horner, 2003; Whitaker, 1999; WHO, 2004). For these reasons, programs that promote healthy lifestyles, healthy choices, and decision-making among college students are important. In this article, we provide an overview of peer education as a health promotion strategy for college campuses, and describe the development, activities, evaluation, and benefits of Champions for Outreach and Advocacy for Campus and Community Health (COACH), a peer health educator program at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). Health Promotion as an Intervention It is well understood that health-promoting behavior is based on healthy living habits developed during the early years (Sells & Blum, 1996). Findings from numerous studies have shown a positive association between the practice of health promotion as it relates to behaviors and lower disease incidence and death rates (WHO, 1997; WHO, 2004). With the increasing prevalence of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, STDs, and mental health issues in adults across the nation, colleges and universities serve as a prime setting for health promotion activities. In 1996, the American Colleges Health Association initiated the Task Force on Health Promotion in Higher Education. The purpose of this task force was to examine health promotion activities and develop standards of practice for the nation’s colleges and universities. When applied properly, these guidelines serve for improvement in campuses’ health and wellness programs (ACHA, 2004).