John Martin, Senior Public Health Educator, Suffolk County Department of Health Services

• 26 Years of Service

In response to growing media reports of teen suicides linked to bullying in schools and online, John Martin developed the Bullying Prevention/Healthy Communication Peer Education Program. High School students are trained to be "Upstanders" instead of just bystanders through the development of social emotional learning skills focusing on character, respect and healthy communication. They then present lessons using role play and interactive improvisations to middle and elementary school students. The lessons meet National Health Education Standards and the New York State Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). After an introductory training of county school personnel, John began mentoring individual school districts by training students and supervising implementation of the peer teaching. Several thousand students, teachers, administrators, Boards of Education and parents have participated in Healthy Communication lessons and activities. The program has had great success. There is a waiting list of schools eager to have John implement the program.

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