Community Health Worker Training Program Makes Significant Strides in 2024
/Better Health Together (BHT) was selected to receive a Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Community Health Worker Training Grant in 2022. This grant aims to support the expansion of the Community Health Worker (CHW) workforce in Adams, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, and Stevens Counties. HRSA awarded $225,543,198 to 83 organizations through the Community Health Worker Training Program (HRSA-22-124).
Our community-based workforce is the key to regional change and better care for all. We have seen time and time again how working with a care coordinator who is representative of your community and understands your unique needs gives you a better chance at being healthy. This year, we focused our efforts on how we can train, support, and grow our Community Health Workforce to support our region.
Community Health Worker (CHW) Network and Training Program Takes Flight
Our HRSA CHW Training & Apprenticeship Program has made significant strides in empowering CHWs across our region in the past year. We successfully trained 36 new CHWs, providing them with essential skills in Adult Mental Health First Aid, Disaster Preparedness, and Medication Management. Additionally, we offered upskill opportunities to 40 existing CHWs, further enhancing their capabilities and readiness to serve our community.
Our efforts extended beyond training. Through robust community outreach and engagement with employers and partners, we raised awareness about the invaluable contributions of CHWs. Participating in over 20 regional events and delivering presentations at 25 meetings, both large and small, we highlighted the pivotal role of CHWs in enhancing community health outcomes. The guidance and support from our dedicated Steering Committee members have been instrumental in shaping our program's development, ensuring quality improvement, and selecting training participants.
Eastern Washington CHW Network Thrives
The Eastern WA CHW Network has also flourished, welcoming 20 new members to its ranks and achieving a milestone of 100 total members. Monthly meetings serve as vital platforms for CHWs to connect, share resources, and foster professional development. These gatherings have facilitated engagement with over 12 partners, who introduced new resources to support community members effectively.
Moreover, our network's influence extends to statewide leadership. Four of our members now serve on the State CHW Leadership Committee, advocating for CHW interests in training, education, employment, and policy. Their involvement ensures that the voices of Eastern Washington CHWs are heard at the highest levels of decision-making.
Through these initiatives, our CHW Network and Training Program continues to strengthen the foundation of community health across Eastern Washington, empowering CHWs and fostering collaboration for a healthier future.
HRSA publishes summary of the characteristics and accomplishments of CHW Training Program trainees during the Academic Year (AY) 2022-2023
BHT is honored to be a part of the national movement to recognize the important work CHWs do every day and the difference they make in their communities. HRSA has published a summary of the accomplishments of the CHW Training Program nationally during the Academic Year 2022 – 2023.
Within the first year of the Community Health Worker and Health Support Worker Training Program, 2,848 trainees participated in programs for new and existing community health workers (CHWs). 1,098 individuals completed their training programs, 78% of whom entered the workforce as newly trained CHWs.
Among program completers who provided employment data, 63% were working in a medically underserved community and 62% were working in community-based settings.
87% of program completers reported serving in at least one CHW-related employment role. The most commonly reported CHW employment roles included addressing social determinants of health, conducting outreach, and connecting vulnerable populations to healthcare providers.
Are you interested in learning more about the community health worker training program and how you can get involved?
This program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $3,000,000 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.