The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #43336

Rosebud Foster, EdD, Jessie Legros, MPH, Gustavo Saldias, MPH, and Steven B Zucker, DMD, MEd. Area Health Education Center, Nova Southeastern University, 3200 S. University Drive, Suite 1588, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, (954) 262-1588, rosebud@nova.edu

Community Health Workers (CHWs) offer unparalleled opportunities to improve the delivery of preventive and primary health care to culturally diverse and underserved communities. Because CHWs are members of the community in which they work, they are recognized as an effective and efficient means of improving health by linking their communities with local health care systems. Recognizing this vital link, the Florida Border Health Education and Training Centers (HETC) Program, in collaboration with the Florida Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Network, has developed a statewide Train-the-Trainer Program to maximize the contribution and impact of CHWs in preventing disease, and thus promoting well-being in the community. HETCs and AHECs throughout Florida have adopted an effective strategy to prepare Community Health Worker Outreach Specialists who serve as local trainers of CHWs in their respective communities. This Train-the-Trainer Program emphasizes methodologies to impart community health promotion and disease prevention education, with the initial phase of the project focusing on cardiovascular disease prevention.

While developing models of collaboration with health and social service agencies to implement local CHW training programs, it is projected that this effort will evolve into a sustainable statewide approach to CHW training.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Understand the nature and value of CHW training as a framework for promoting community health
• Learn specific strategies for training local CHWs on cardiovascular disease prevention
• Understand the role of HETCs and AHECs as effective avenues for the training of CHWs.

Keywords: Community Health Promoters, Community Outreach

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Area Health Education Centers Health Education and Training Centers
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment