Madison, Wisconsin — The Providers and Teens Communicating for Health (PATCH) Program is officially turning 15 — and we’re celebrating the bold, brilliant teens who’ve shaped our journey from the very beginning.
Founded in 2010 in Madison WI, PATCH has grown from a local pilot project into a nationally recognized leader in youth engagement. Over the past 15 years, the program has empowered hundreds of young people to speak up, share their experiences, and drive change in the systems that serve them — especially health care.
Today, PATCH’s reach extends far beyond its Madison roots, with youth-driven programming across the U.S. and reaching as far as Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands.
“It’s amazing to see how far PATCH has come — not just in years, but in reach and impact,” said Amy Olejniczak, PATCH Program Founder and Director. “This birthday isn’t just a celebration of our program, but of every teen who’s raised their voice, every adult who’s listened, and every community that’s joined us in believing that young people are the experts of their own experience.”
A Look Back at 15 Years of PATCH:
- Founded in Madison in 2010 alongside 15 amazing local teens
- Expanded nationally, with programs in multiple states and U.S. territories
- Thousands of teens and adults engaged in honest conversations about youth-friendly health care
- Youth voice integrated into countless policies, practices, and programs nationwide
- Recognized as an evidence-based model for authentic, equitable youth engagement
As PATCH reflects on 15 years of impact, we are also looking ahead — building on a legacy of collaboration, advocacy, and youth/adult partnerships to create a healthier future for the next generation.
Want to celebrate with us? PATCH is accepting birthday gifts in the form of donations to support our ongoing work as a youth-driven, youth-serving nonprofit. Visit patchprogram.org/donate to give.
