First annual Community Health Worker Conference a success

According to the American Public Health Association, a community health worker is a “frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an usually close understanding of the community served.” On Saturday, Oct. 22, Ohio University and The Ohio State University Community Health Worker Programs hosted a conference for community health workers (CHW) from around the state to celebrate, network, and educate this important and growing portion of the healthcare workforce. The conference was held at the Dublin Integrated Education Center.

The theme of the conference was “Community Health Workers Bridge the Gap” and more than 100 community health workers attended to obtain continuing education units required to maintain their Ohio Board of Nursing certification. Presenters focused on how community health workers can reach hard-to-reach communities including immigrants, the Amish/Mennonite population, and those who have endured human trafficking. Evelyn Nagy, a CHW at the Rural Women’s Recovery Program said the conference was very beneficial.

"I felt really validated as a [community health worker].  I appreciate the confidence the conference gave me in filling the gaps in our communities," Nagy said. "It is so hard for folks to ask for help, now that help will become more available. I met [community health workers] from all over the state doing amazing things."

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CHWs have served a critical role in responding to vaccine hesitancy, assisting with contact tracing, and conducting outreach about vaccine clinics. Managed care organizations are increasingly utilizing CHWs to address social determinants of health. This conference highlighted how important they are and, by bringing CHWs together from around Ohio, helped them grow their professional identity and network, and lifted up their work

Roslynn Liggett,  a CHW employed through a CDC grant and working in Ross County shared that she “enjoyed all the speakers and getting to know about all the great organizations doing amazing work all over Ohio. I learned a lot. I also got certified to 'Stop The Bleed' and got my own tourniquet! It was a wonderful event for networking and education.”

The response from CHWs and vendors was exceptional and the planning committee has already reserved a larger venue for the 2023 conference.