For more information, contact Kim Papich, SRHD Public Information Officer (509) 324-1539
 
SPOKANE, Wash. – Apr 8, 2013 – If you are interested in playing a vital role in your community by linking people with health care services and sharing your health knowledge then listen up.  Spokane Regional Health District’s Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Program (BCCHP) announces availability for the next in a series of no-cost Community Health Worker (CHW) trainings.
 
The next session will be held in Pullman, Wash., and starts May 14, 2013. The training is part of a new system that Washington state is offering in preparation for transition to universal health care. Through work with organizers in Massachusetts, who implemented health care reform six years ago, Washington state is offering the certificate training system to provide CHW core competencies in assisting people to overcome barriers that affect their ability to access medical care and obtain health information.
 
CHWs encompass a variety of titles and roles, but primarily these trained individuals can help support the health care team and improve efficiencies. Common CHWs include peer counselors, outreach workers and patient navigators, but they can also be people who work within the medical system, in community-based organizations or individual volunteers.
 
The training is a free 8-week certificate course, consisting of two in-person sessions (May 14 and July 9, 2013) and six weeks of web-based training (2-3 hrs/wk), May 20 through June 28, 2013. To register, go to http://hcwcommunityhealthworker.org.
 
After completing the session, participants have the choice to obtain additional web-based training in various health-specific topics, allowing them to tailor their skills. Additional sessions will be taking place in 2013 in Colville and 2014 in Spokane.
 
Again, to register, go to http://hcwcommunityhealthworker.org. More information can be found at www.srhd.org. Spokane Regional Health District’s Web site also offers comprehensive, updated information about Spokane Regional Health District and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Become a fan of SRHD on Facebook to receive local safety and wellness tips. You can also follow us on Twitter @spokanehealth.