The Community Health Action of Staten Island. PTI program provides training and support for Staten Island residents and men at Arthur Kill Correctional (AKCF) who have a history of substance use, must have 1 year clean time and commit to be trained as HIV/AIDS Prevention Educators. The training cycle is six months and requires that trainees from the community complete the Core Training (10 Days) at Cicatelli Associates Inc. in Manhattan, New York. Trainees from Arthur Kill Correctional Facility receive the Core Training (10 Days) conducted by Cicatelli Associates Inc., at the facility. The balance of the training/internship will be completed by Community Health Action. of Staten Island. The Staten Island Community PTI cycle begins each January and ends in June and the Arthur Kill Correctional Facility cycle begins in July and ends in December. The PTI training conducted within AKCF is designed to provide all aspects of the training on site. Peers interested in participating, who meet the criteria, submit their name two months prior to the scheduled training. Prospective trainees are notified by mail and invited to attend a training orientation that provides them with all the detailed information regarding the training opportunity. Prospective trainees are asked to complete all the necessary registration and participation applications.

Peer Educators who graduate from PTI complete an intensive HIV Prevention Education Training Program. They will have demonstrated an expertise in Presentation Skills, Facilitation Skills, Public Speaking, Leadership Skills and Successful Team participation. Graduation requirements include internships where the trainees, talents enable them to work as a team in an office setting, be on time for work duties and learn how to complete the necessary paperwork for services completed in the Staten Island Community and AKCF.

If you are interested in becoming a Peer Educator, contact Community Health Action at (718) 808-1300 and ask to speak with Pamela Goodrich, PTI Program Coordinator.