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About PATCH

We are Providers and Teens Communicating for Health. A community of teens and adults working together to improve adolescent health and wellbeing. Our sweet spot is making sure teens have a voice in health care settings, in the bigger goals and initiatives that shape teen health, and in their own lives.

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Together for adolescent health.

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Our Mission

To improve adolescent health and wellbeing alongside and in true partnership with youth.

Our Vision

A world where every teen grows up healthy, connected, and thriving.

Our Story

We've been around since 2010... and wow, a lot has changed! We're so grateful to everyone who's been part of our journey. And there's still so much more to come.​

2010 - A $10,000 grant brought a New York City youth program to Dane County, Wisconsin. Teens were hired and trained to lead workshops... and PATCH was born!

2014 - We revamped the program, updated workshop content, and rebranded to officially become Providers and Teens Communicating for Health (PATCH).

2016 - We launched a statewide youth program, which evolved into what is now the PATCH Teen Consultant Program.

2017 - PATCH expanded outside Wisconsin for the first time with our first out-of-state partner in Buffalo, New York.

TODAY - 15+ years. Multiple states. One partner on the other side of the globe. And still growing!

Our Model for Youth Engagement

Teens are amazing. They are curious, creative, and full of energy and ideas. At PATCH, we love working alongside them. Their perspectives spark fresh thinking, fuel meaningful conversations, and help guide the work that shapes the health and wellbeing of their generation.

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#BecauseTHEYaretheexperts

Youth-Adult Partnerships - Teens and adults work side by side, with trust, honesty, and mutual respect at the center.

Youth-Driven Programming - Adults handle the structure and behind-the-scenes work so teens can show up, share, and shine.

Employment - Being part of PATCH is a real job. Teens apply, interview, and are hired and paid for their expertise.

Education - Teens explore topics that matter — from mental health to racial justice to sexual health — with guest speakers, honest conversations, and space to grow.

Empowerment - Teens are encouraged to explore their passions, share their stories, and recognize that their voice truly matters.

Our Impact

PATCH has been partnering with teens for 15+ years, learning alongside them and growing right alongside them. The impact is real, it's measurable, and we love celebrating it every chance we get.

The skills, confidence, and relationships teens build at PATCH don't stop when the program ends. Alumni carry what they've learned into everyday life, school, work, and their communities — continuing to make their voices heard and inspire change long after the program year is over.

"By FAR the best job. I joined over a decade ago, and yet PATCH is still the best boss, mentorship structure, and culture I have ever experienced."

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— PATCH Alumni

Our Research & Publications

We love trying new things and sharing what we learn — the successes, the challenges, and all the twists and turns along the way.

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Additional publications in the works — stay tuned!

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