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Peer Health Advocates

Sometimes you do not want to see a professional, and maybe talking to another student confidentially would help! The College of Idaho, Peer Health Advocates is a student-led program, supported by the Health and Wellness Center, dedicated to fostering a safe, confidential, inclusive, and genuinely caring environment for everyone on campus. The Advocate’s goal is to ensure students feel supported—personally, academically, and emotionally—through individual interactions with the Advocates, meaningful resources and engaging educational programs.

Our Peer Health Advocates are compassionate, expertly-trained students who understand the realities of college life. They receive extensive training and mentorship from experienced professionals and leaders across our community. Advocates are here to listen, support, and help fellow students navigate a wide range of challenges, including academic stress, career uncertainty, burnout, relationship concerns, financial strain, family issues, anxiety, depression, health concerns, school life and connections, and everyday life stressors.

The Advocates operate a 24/7 hotline for students (CALL (208) 459-5555) and host students Monday through Friday from 10am to 7pm in the Advocate Center located in the basement of McCain next to Outdoor Programs. The Center is a great place to come, breath, relax, and/or engage in support from the Advocate working. Students don’t have to face challenges alone—support, understanding, and community are always here.

  • Location: The Advocate Center is located in the basement of McCain next to Outdoor Programs.
  • Advocate Center Walk-In Hours: Monday through Friday from 10am to 7pm
  • After Hours: The Advocates operate a 24/7 hotline for students - CALL (208) 459-5555

Our Peer Health Advocates are confidential resources on campus. Each Advocate is trained through the Health & Wellness Center (HWC) and signs a formal confidentiality agreement, ensuring that your privacy is protected and respected at all times. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive space where you can talk openly without fear of judgment or unwanted disclosure.

 

Anything you share with your Advocate is kept confidential and will not be shared with anyone else unless you provide written permission. There are a few rare, legally required exceptions where confidentiality must be broken to protect your safety or the safety of others. These are outlined below. Outside of these specific exceptions, your conversations with a Peer Health Advocate remain private. Our goal is to ensure you feel safe, supported, and empowered every time you reach out.

  • Risk of Self-Harm: If you share that you may seriously harm yourself.
  • Risk of Harm to Others: If you express an intention to harm another person.
  • Abuse or Neglect of a Minor: If there is reason to believe a person under 18 is being harmed or may be harmed.
  • Abuse or Neglect of an Elder or Vulnerable Adult: If an elderly or disabled adult may be experiencing abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.
  • Court Orders/Subpoenas: If a court requires the release of information.
  • Knowingly Transmitting a Contagious Disease: If someone is intentionally putting others at risk of a serious communicable illness.
  • Professional Consultation: Advocates may consult with an HWC supervisor for guidance or training. These discussions are also confidential and follow the same privacy expectations.

Originality and Purpose, Amplified

No matter if you’re a vibrant creative, an athlete, an advocate or someone who clicks with just about everyone, you know your strengths. We invite you to fully embrace all that makes you uniquely you and transform it into wide-reaching impact and change.