PATCH La Crosse

Serving all western Wisconsin communities

Working together to improve health care experiences

for youth in our community.

At PATCH La Crosse we are passionate about improving adolescent health care experiences and, since 2018, we've been working directly with youth and health care professionals to do just that!

Each year, 10-12 high school students are hired as Teen Educators to lead educational workshops with peers and health care professionals.

These youth experts are responsible for cultivating open and honest dialogue about adolescent health and prove that young voice do matter, because THEY are the experts.

Email PATCH La Crosse!

Meet the 2021-2022 Teen Educator Team!

Alex, 16

Hi! My name is Alex, I am 16 years old and a junior at Onalaska High School. My pronouns are she/her. I play soccer, golf, and I also downhill ski. In my free time I like to paint, read, and be outside. This is my first year with PATCH and I hope to work with teens and providers to create a safe environment where teens can be completely honest with their providers.

Ava, 16

Hi! My name is Ava, I am a Junior at Central High School and I use she/her/hers pronouns. I love to read, swim, hangout with my friends and play with my dog. I joined PATCH because I want to help other teens get all the information they can to keep themselves healthy and safe.

Benji, 16

Hi my name is Benji, I go by he/him, I’m 16, and I’m a junior at Logan High School. My biggest hobby is hands-on art. I work with clay, wood, mixed media, and recently I’ve started forging, and metalworking. I joined PATCH to share my experience and learn more about mental health.

Caroline, 16

Hi! My name is Caroline and my pronouns are she/her. I'm 16 and a Junior at Onalaska High School. My favorite authors are Stephen King and Madeline Miller and I am a ski racer. During my time at PATCH, I want to educate teens, providers, and myself on what it means to give and receive quality confidential care.

See the PATCH La Crosse Teen Educators face-to-face! Schedule a workshop with them!

Now scheduling in-person OR virtual workshop for Health Care Providers (PATCH for Providers) and Teens (PATCH for Teens) in La Crosse & all of western Wisconsin!

Schedule a Workshop

Pssst. You too, can become a PATCH Teen Educator.

We aren't currently hiring, but the application is always open! SO if you're interested in joining the 2022-2023 team, visit us again in the Spring of 2022 for the application!

Harper, 15

Hi! I’m Harper, my pronouns are she/her/hers. I’m 15 years old and a sophomore at Central High school. I love playing tennis and being outside!! This year in PATCH I’m looking forward to making many new connections!

Kianah, 15

Hi my name's Kianah I'm 15 and a Junior at Onalaska High School my pronouns are she/her. My hobbies include skiing, reading, and going on hikes. I love love love Strawberry Banana smoothies. When I grow up I want to be a nurse anesthetist. I joined PATCH so I can learn more about being a Healthcare provider but also gaining experience and information about the resources and struggles we go through.

Lauren, 15

Hi my name is Lauren, I am 15 years old, I am in 10th grade at Logan High School, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. My hobbies are downhill ski racing, volleyball, and writing. I joined PATCH because I want to help influence and educate other teenagers to be more open and honest with their healthcare providers.

Thanks to Our Supporters!

Our work would not be possible without the support from individuals, organizations, and businesses in our community! From donating time and energy to money and materials we simply couldn't do it without these people! You can show your support by joining our Community Advisory Team, Donating to PATCH, or even scheduling a workshop!

Community Advisory Team

The Community Advisory Team is a group of volunteer community members who provide ongoing support and oversight to local Program Sites. Current members include:

Karolee Behringer | Planned Parenthood of La Crosse

Kelli Cornett | Planned Parenthood of La Crosse

Erin Gutowski | Gundersen Health System

Sarah Johnson | YMCA Community Teen Center

Jennifer Kleven | Gundersen Health System

Keely Rees | UW-La Crosse Health Education

Bethany Their | Better Together

Financial Support & Donations

We especially thank the following organizations for their support in the form of funds, space, and/or resources:

AMCHP

CESA #4

Great Rivers United Way