In-person

Topics: Healthy Homes and Asthma

The Michigan Public Health Training Center Course, “CHWs and Nurses: Roles and Relationships for Population Health Improvement,” provides participants with certification and continuing education credits through the Michigan Public Health Training Center. The courses target public health and community health practitioners—nurses, community health workers, health educators, social workers, physicians; students in allied health; and those interested in population health services. Topics include: CHW contributions to improving public health, current issues in nursing/CHW services, and future initiatives in improving partnerships.

The Florida Community Health Worker Coalition helps CHWs reach vulnerable, low-income and underserved community members. The organization promotes increased engagement of CHWs to support health education by providing training resources and conducting an annual summit. The Coalition has grown to include more than 275 people. Its monthly meetings, conducted by webinar and conference call, are open to all.

The Arizona Community Health Outreach Workers Network (AZCHOW) is a source of information, advocacy, education and best practices for individual CHWs as well as organizations working with CHWs in the public and community health arena. Founded in 2001, AZCHOW conducts a variety of workshops and trainings designed to cover topics such as: leadership development, advocacy training, communications skills, asthma management, nutrition and exercise, and many more.

The New Mexico Community Health Worker Association provides a training curriculum, Reaching Out: A Training Manual For Community Health Workers. This includes 40 hours of training in topics such as: Orientation Into the CHW model, Communication Skills (including confidentiality), Community Resources, and Early Childhood Development. The Association works to nurture the CHW model while improving access and quality health care for New Mexicans.

The American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Community Health Worker Section has consistently been involved in APHA governance since 2000. The organization’s goal is to continue to develop policy within and outside of APHA that supports CHWs. APHA recruits CHWs, CHW allies, and students by leveraging regional CHW networks, health networks, academic networks, and independent professional associations of CHWs throughout the United States. The website provides resources, links, Newsletters, and a list of benefits and activities included in APHA membership.

The Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance works with partners to reduce health disparities, achieve better health at a lower cost, and foster healthier communities. The organization serves as a convener, catalyst and expert resource to integrate CHW strategies. Minnesota is the only state in the United States with a statewide competency-based CHW educational program based in accredited post-secondary schools. The 14-credit program is a blend of classroom and field-based learning for those who have at least a high school diploma or GED.

The Sinai Asthma Education Training Institute (SAETI) was established in 2006 as a training hub for the Sinai Asthma Program. The goal of SAETI is to provide CHWs and other local and national health care professionals with the skills needed to assist children and adults with asthma to improve asthma control and lead healthier lifestyles. In addition, SAETI aims to increase asthma awareness by providing education to staff of community-based organizations.

El Paso Community College’s Community Health Worker Certification Course and Community Health Worker Continuing Education Opportunities help educate students to serve as a bridge and liaison between individuals who seek health care and those who provide it. The program offers a certification of completion after 1 year of theoretical courses and practical community work.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) provides certification and training programs for CHWs and instructors. The programs consist of more than 160 hours of continuing education training materials and distance learning certification courses. All programs are approved by DSHS.