Program Mission

To serve as informed and active members of the MIT community in order to promote the overall health and well-being of students through health education and peer support.

What is MedLinks?

MedLinks is a residentially based peer advocacy program comprised of student representatives (each one called “a MedLink”). This program is sponsored and supported by The Center for Health Promotion & Wellness (formerly Health Education).

• Most living groups, dorms and fraternities have at least one resident who is a “MedLink”

• All MedLinks receive training in a variety of health-related issue, First Aid, and CPR.

• MedLinks help students stay healthy at MIT!

Presently, there are over 100 MedLink representatives located in a variety of campus and off-campus residences. All MedLinks attend a 25 hour training program and on-going continuing education seminars throughout the year.

Training and education consist of...

• Improving listening and communication skills

• Determining when to seek medical attention for common aches, pains, cold, and flu.

• Learning about MIT Medical policies, procedures, and resources

• Basic First Aid and CPR.

• Becoming familiar with a variety of student health topics.

What do MedLinks do?

They serve individual students and the MIT community by being…

• Liaisons... dedicated to listening and connecting students to MIT Medical Department services and other helpful resources

• Health Promoters... in residences and on campus dedicated to enhancing overall student health and well-being

MedLinks can…

• Offer private and easily accessible one-on-one peer support

• Answer questions about and guide students to proper Medical and other campus support resources

• Provide or direct students to educational resources, including Health Promotion at MIT Medical

• Answer questions about nutrition, sexual health, substance abuse, mental health and other issues

• Dispense single doses of common over-the-counter medications when appropriate.

• Organize educational study breaks and campus-wide campaigns to help keep the MIT community healthy.

MedLinks Organization and Admininstration

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is comprised of representatives that serve as the “governing” body for the program and gives voice to the concerns and ideas of the MedLinks members. All MedLinks can communicate with Executive Committee Members and Program Coordinators directly via e-mail at medlinks-exec@mit.edu.

Want to become a MedLink?

If you're interested in becoming a MedLink, you can...

• Complete the on-line application

• Complete an application at Health Promotion (E23-205)

• Call 617-253-1318