1. Nicole Holmes
7 Areas of Responsibility Competency Portfolio
Area of Responsibility I: Assess Needs, Assets, and Capacity for Health Education
Area of Responsibility I
As a health educator, I have successfully demonstrated Area of Responsibility I through an
implemented stress management program. Before the planning stages of the program began, a
needs assessment was conducted by administering a survey to the students. The survey included
a Likert scale method of assessing levels of stress from factors including family, school,
relationships with friends/partners, and jobs. The students were also asked to identify stress relief
techniques in order to assess whether or not healthy stress relief techniques were being used
(relaxation vs. binge drinking).

2. Area of Responsibility II: Plan Health Education
Area of Responsibility II
In Area of Responsibility II, I have demonstrated my abilities as a health educator by planning
sexual health outreach events. Priority populations included African Americans and Men who
have sex with Men (MSM). Some of the objectives have specifically targeted the MSM
community and testing. “By the end of the HIV testing event on campus, 15 MSM in the
Southern IL area will have been tested for HIV.” One of the barriers to this particular goal is that
not all MSM are out and may fear being outed for going to receive an HIV test.

3. Area of Responsibility III: Implement Health Education
Area of Responsibility III
In Area of Responsibility III, I have demonstrated my abilities as a health educator through
implementing a stress management program for college freshmen. The program consisted of an
event where students learned about stress relief through yoga. A focus group was held where
students spoke about stress that they encountered as a 1st year college student. During the group
session, my colleagues and I provided stress relief tips for the students.

4. Area of Responsibility IV: Conduct Evaluation and Research Related to Health Education
Area of Responsibility IV
I have successfully demonstrated competency in Responsibility IV through evaluating
participants in a yoga stress relief program to assess if a change in knowledge had occurred. At
the beginning of the program, participants were asked to fill out a pre-test that asked them to
identify a specific number of stress relief techniques as well as identify past experience in yoga.
At the conclusion of the program, participants were asked to fill out a post-test that asked them to
identify stress relief techniques as well as indicate their likelihood of participating in yoga in the
future.

5. Area of Responsibility V: Administer and Manage Health Education
Area of Responsibility V
I have successfully demonstrated competency in Area of Responsibility V through the creation
of a grant proposal requesting funds to implement a program that focuses on stress relief for
formal and informal caregivers of hospice patients. This proposal includes a detailed budget that
highlighted the various components of the program that require funding from the organization
offering grant assistance. I have also demonstrated leadership within the field of sexual health
through the adherence of cultural competency as well as local laws when planning sexual health
lessons for high school students.

6. Area of Responsibility VI: Serve as a Health Education Resource Person
Area of Responsibility VI
I successfully accomplished Area of Responsibility VI through obtaining and disseminating
health-related information. My colleagues and I found, verified and distributed health
information to SIUE freshmen helpful for any first year health issues that need to be addressed.
From the time that I started my academic career at SIUE, I have created and updated a binder
that contains pamphlets and brochures containing sexual health information throughout a vast
array of topics ranging from STI’s to LGBT ally information. Through membership in Eta Sigma
Gamma, I have established consultative relationships with local schools and organizations within
Madison County.

7. Area of Responsibility VII: Communicate and Advocate for Health and Health Education
Area of Responsibility VII
I have successfully completed Responsibility VII by demonstrating advocacy efforts for health
and health education. Through my involvement with the Illinois Choice Action Team, I have
campaigned for changes in legislation that affect sex education for adolescents in the state of
Illinois. In addition to campaign efforts, I have also successfully obtained a proclamation in
Madison County declaring April 10, 2015 to be National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. I
have promoted the health education field on the campus of SIUE to students for the purpose of
advancing the major.