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Project ECHO: CHW Supervision Tips & Tricks to Supervise for Retention 5/24/2023

CHW Supervision Tips & Tricks to Supervise for Retention Flyer

Project ECHO and IPHI’s CHWs for a Healthy Virginia are hosting a community health worker (CHW) supervisor training on May 24 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Project ECHO monthly trainings are a part of a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) grant. This training is offered to employers who currently employ or are interested in hiring CHWs in the Commonwealth of Virginia.


Click: HERE to register.

May Continuing Education Training: Suicide Awareness/Mental Health: 5/31/2023

Suicide Awareness/Mental Health Flyer

As part of the Community Health Worker (CHW) Monthly Continuing Education series, this month’s topic is “Suicide Awareness/Mental Health.” 

Join this webinar on May 31, from 10 a.m. to noon, to gain insight into community resilience, suicide prevention resources, and creating a wellness toolkit.


Click: HERE to register.

April Continuing Education Training: Ethical Dilemmas/Boundaries: 4/26/2023

Racial & Health Equity 101: What and Why CHWs Need to Know! Flyer

As part of the Community Health Worker (CHW) Monthly Continuing Education series, this month’s topic is “Racial & Health Equity 101.” 

Join this webinar on April 26, from 10 a.m. to noon, to gain a basic understanding of racial and health equity, social determinants of health, and the role of CHWs in addressing social justice to eliminate health disparities.


Click: HERE to register.

Community Member Focus Group: Join 4/17/2023 or 4/18/2023

Community Member Focus Group Invite

Are you an active member of your community? Are you looking to improve the health of your community? Have you considered becoming a community health worker (CHW)? 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, this focus group is for you! Join this community member focus group on April 17 or April 18 from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. 

All participants will receive a $25 gift card for contributing their thoughts during the focus group.


Who can participate?
Residents over the age of 18 living in:

  • Montgomery County, MD
  • Prince George’s County, MD
  • Alexandria, VA
  • Fairfax County, VA
  • Arlington, VA
  • Washington, D.C.

What?
Help us understand the following:

  • Importance of having CHWs in your community
  • Interests in a job that involves community outreach, providing health education, and connecting people to health and social services
  • Support you’re looking for or might need as a CHW

Where?
Online via Zoom.


Click: HERE to register for April 17

Click: HERE to register for April 18

National Public Health Week 2023

National Public Health Week (NPHW) recognizes and celebrates public health professionals in the nation. April 3-9, 2023, marks the 28th NPHW organized by the American Public Health Association (APHA). This year’s theme is “Centering and Celebrating Cultures in Health.”

IPHI acknowledges community health care needs can vary based on cultures, experiences, and environments. We also recognize the beauty of different cultures and the importance of cultural competence in health care. A culturally competent health care system can help improve health outcomes and quality of care and help eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities.

We invite public health professionals, community organizations, and the community – to celebrate cultures in health this NPHW!

Watch this NPHW WTVR-6 news segment, “Community Health Workers Improving Health in Underserved Communities.”


IPHI Daily Themes

Monday: Community
Tuesday: Accessibility
Wednesday: Mental Health
Thursday: Food and Nutrition
Friday: Rural Health

Visit our social media pages for more information on NPHW 2023 and to explore the different cultures that create the IPHI team, visit.


Monday, April 3 – Community: Community Health Workers (CHWs)

The word “community” holds a lot of power. Community is not only where we are. It’s our connection with others who share similar interests, attitudes, and goals. In short, it’s a sense of togetherness and unity. As the bridge between the health system and underresourced communities, community health workers (CHWs) take community to heart. CHWs typically live in the areas they serve, giving them the unique ability to bring health information where it is needed most. CHWs are not just a part of clinical teams, but they are a critical component of clinical teams. As a recognized leader in developing the CHW workforce, we invite you explore our CHW initiatives.

Read “Community Health Workers: Behind-the-Scenes Community Heroes” by IPHI Senior Program Manager Valerie McAllister. 

Tuesday, April 4 – Accessibility: Equity and Health in All Policies (EHiAP)

Accessibility is crucial in public health because it makes sure that all individuals have equal access to the resources and services that promote their health and wellbeing. When developing policies and practices in health care, sectors indirectly linked to health are often left out of the equation. Doing this, however, limits the health opportunities for everyone in the community. The same way that many factors shape an environment, many factors can shape health outcomes. When access to health services, nutritious food, safe housing, and other essential resources are limited, it can lead to glaring disparities between communities. Equity and Health in All Policies (EHiAP) is a collaborative effort to help local and state governments incorporate health considerations into decisionmaking across all sectors and policy areas. Download our EHiAP framework to see how IPHI provides technical assistance on EHiAP.

Wednesday, April 5 – Mental Health: Mental Health First Aids CHWs Training

Often times mental health is overshadowed by physical health, although it’s just as important. Mental health affects everyone as it involves our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. Yet, mental health stigma still persists and deters individuals from seeking help. According to the World Health Association (WHO), the global prevalence of anxiety and depression spiked by 25% in the first year of the COVID19 pandemic. Disruptions in mental health services is one of the contributors that leave huge gaps in care for those who need it most. Prevention, early detection, and treatment of mental health conditions can lead to improved physical and community health. Last year, IPHI hosted our first Mental Health First Aid training for CHWs, conducted by a CDC trainer. Currently, we are working with partners to develop another training to support mental health efforts, which can be expected later this year.

Thursday, April 6 – Nutrition and Food: Prince George’s County Food Equity Council (PGC FEC)

In 2021, 33.8 million people lived in foodinsecure households in the U.S. Food insecurity is a socially rooted and systemic issue that has only grown in prevalence since the COVID19 pandemic. When individuals struggle to meet their basic needs, there is an increased risk of food insecurity. The accessibility and affordability of nutritious food can influence longterm health outcomes, limiting food-insecure households from living healthy and active lives.

Food insecurity is a worldwide public health issue, and addressing it locally is only a starting point. Prince George’s County Food Equity Council (PGC FEC) develops and support policies, approaches, procedures, practices and initiatives that create systemic change in Prince George’s County, Maryland’s local food system. As an incubator and fiscal sponsor, IPHI backs the FEC as a voice for county residents at the policymaking table. Click here to learn more about IPHI’s food systems initiatives.

Friday, April 7 – Rural Health: Rural Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Solutions

Many rural populations experience significant health disparities compared to urban populations. The rural health disparities include geographic isolation, lower socioeconomic status, higher rates of health risk behaviors, limited access to healthcare providers and facilities, and limited job opportunities. In 2022, IPHI expanded its focus to include support for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and medical providers in rural areas. Through the Rural MS Solutions initiative, we are able to provide support and resources for individuals with MS who live in rural areas and face unique challenges in accessing healthcare. Our team works to improve access to care, provide education and resources, and engage with community partners to create a supportive network for those affected by MS in rural areas. 

 

March Continuing Education Training: Ethical Dilemmas/Boundaries: 3/29/2023

CHWs Address Ethical Dilemmas/Boundaries Flyer

As part of the Community Health Worker (CHW) Monthly Continuing Education series, this month’s topic is “Ethical Dilemmas/Boundaries.” 

Join this webinar on March 29, from 10 a.m. to noon, to learn how to navigate common ethical dilemmas CHWs may face in their work.   


Click: HERE to register.

Community Health Worker (CHW) Academy Applications Open 3/20/2023 – 4/28/2023

CHWs: A Critical Component of the Clinical Team Flyer

The CHW Academy’s applications are now open! The training will run from March 20 through April 28.


Who?

  • New and existing CHWs in the District of Columbia and neighboring counties in suburban Maryland and northern Virginia.

What?

  • A free training program for persons interested in becoming CHWs, and for existing CHWs, free continuing education training.

Where?

  • Learn online and in-person

Why?

  • This training will prepare CHWs with the core skills to be strong in their roles in communities, in social service and health settings.

Schedule

  • March 20 – April 28
  • 3.5 hours a day
  • Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon

Click: HERE to apply.

Community Health Workers (CHWs): A Critical Component of the Clinical Team Webinar 3/30/2023

CHWs: A Critical Component of the Clinical Team Flyer

CHWs have been a part of the American public health sector for at least 50 years. Yet, some still don’t know or understand the critical role of CHWs. 

Join this webinar on March 30 from noon to 1 p.m. to hear from those who have seen proven results and understand the importance of CHW integration.


Presenters

  • Margret Kadree, MPH
  • Kimberly Dyke-Harsley, CCHW

Click: HERE to register.

Tell Your Story for Change Training 3/21/2023

Tell Your Story for Change Flyer

IPHI and the District of Columbia (DC) Community Health Workers (CHW) Association invites CHWs to a workshop on DC law on March 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This is a two-part virtual training. The details on how to sign up for part two will be given at the end of the first training.


Topics

  • How to tell stories and advocate for CHW needs in DC
  • How the law works in DC and public speaking tips
  • Work 1:1 to write your story and propose solutions for future use

Click: HERE to register.

Community Health Worker (CHW) Focus Group 3/16/2023

CHW Focus Group Invite

IPHI is hosting a focus group for existing CHWs on March 16 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Focus group findings will help inform our CHW Academy continuing education program. We want to hear about your experiences with training and how it can help you with your work! 

All participants will receive a $25 gift card for contributing their thoughts during the focus group.


Who can participate?
People currently working in a CHW role living in:

  • Montgomery County, MD
  • Prince George’s County, MD
  • Alexandria, VA
  • Fairfax County, VA
  • Arlington, VA
  • Washington, D.C.

What?
Help us understand the following:

  • Areas to improve continuing education
  • Skills and information you need to address the challenges you face in your work
  • What you’d need as a CHW to continue long-term
  • Barriers to participating in training and continuing education

Where?
Online via Zoom.


Click: HERE to register.