HEP PEP Squad

Preconception Educating Pirates

Preconception Educating Pirates (PEP) Squad is a student organization dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of women’s health across her lifespan but focuses primarily on preconception health. PEP Squad strives to put an end to preterm deliveries and infant mortality by educating our peers about making healthy choices before conception. PEP Squad is housed in the Department of Health Education and Promotion and has two faculty advisors, Dr. Alice Richman and Mrs. Kelli Russell.

Through community and university outreach programs members develop and implement events on a variety of health topics (healthy nutrition, safe sex, importance of exercise, healthy communication).  Events such as a Zumbathon and Yoga focus on stress management, another pillar of preconception health identified by the PEP Squad.  PEP Squad members have the opportunity to be trained and certified as Preconception Peer Educators by the Office of Minority Health. This certification equips members with the ability to share valuable preconception health information with their community members and peers to aid in keeping moms and children healthy.