PEER (Promoting Empowerment Eagle River)

The Eagle River Valley corridor of Eagle County is evolving and so is PEER (Promoting Empowerment Eagle River.) We are extremely grateful for your support on Colorado Gives Day to support PEER (formerly known as Red Ribbon Project) in maintaining our current programs and eventual expansion to meet the needs of our community and especially our youth. 

At PEER, we believe that knowledge is power, and the path to healthier futures begins with maturation and comprehensive sexual health education. We are dedicated to empowering our youth with knowledge, fostering open conversations, and providing vital resources to help them make informed choices about their sexual health, today and into their future.

Our programs are making a significant impact in Eagle County. We serve nearly 2,000 students through our maturation classes for 5th to 8th graders and sexual health classes for 9th grade. To support the community in the reduction of teen pregnancies and the rates of HIV/STIs in our community, we offer free HIV/STI testing and condom distribution to promote safe practices and ensure that every individual who needs it can access this essential service, reducing barriers to access.

Maturation and Sexual Health Education

Evidence-based, comprehensive sexual health education can improve academic success; prevent dating violence, and bullying; help youth develop healthier relationships; delay sexual initiation; reduce unplanned pregnancy, HIV, and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs); and reduce sexual health disparities among LGBTQ+ youth. 

At PEER, we're committed to offering a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the learning and resource connection, emphasizing medically accurate, developmentally/age-appropriate content. Recognizing that these conversations can be uncomfortable for some youth, our PEER Health Educators strive to create a safe and judgment-free space where questions can be asked and answered. We believe that open and honest conversations between youth and adults play a vital role in empowering our community to make healthier choices.

PEER classes support students in developing healthy decision making and self-efficacy skills, empowering them to better advocate for themselves and take charge of their own health and safety. These skills will support youth in identifying and accessing trusted adults in big decision-making and/or times of crisis, and if sexually active, asking for and stating consent, as well as correct and effective contraception use for those sexually active.

The primary goals of the sexual health program delivered by PEER of Eagle County are:

1) To reduce teenage pregnancy in Eagle County

2) To reduce the transmission of STIs in Eagle County among 15-24 year olds

3) To provide medically accurate information to students, and inform them of local health resources.

FREE HIV/STI Testing and Condom Distribution

A primary objective of PEER’s six annual, free HIV/sexually transmitted infections (STIs) testing events and free condom distribution  is to elevate community awareness about behaviors that elevate the risk for pregnancy, HIV and other STIs and empower healthy decision-making. PEER partners with local medical experts who individualize the testing experience by offering education and resources, as well as connecting patients to counseling and potential treatment plans if results are positive.  

PEER annually distributes 10,000 condoms throughout Eagle County. Given the area's resort nature and young adult population, this initiative promotes the CDC-backed benefits of consistent and correct condom use in preventing HIV and other STI transmission. Such initiatives also encourage safer sexual behaviors, especially among high-risk groups.

Your Support

Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of our youth and community. Join us in our mission to reduce teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and other STIs by promoting empowerment, knowledge, and informed decision-making. With your support, we can ensure that every individual in Eagle County has the tools and resources they need to lead a healthy and empowered life. 

Eagle County students yearn to take flight,

With knowledge that guides them just right.

Thanks to PEER’s dedication,

Health meets education—

Empowered, now their futures shine bright!

-Poem written by Melisa Rewold-Thuon, Assistant Superintendent of Eagle County Schools