ConnectionHealth developed a training course in partnership with the UAB Diabetes Research Center and the UAB Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine. The course was developed after a comprehensive review of certification and licensing programs nationwide and is comparable in scope. ConnectionHealth’s CHWs receive over 90 hours of rigorous training. Training includes over 90 hours of in-class instruction, case studies, group work, and role plays; roughly 20 hours of self-study work and assessments; and once hired, CHWs complete another 40 hours of in-service, shadowing, and continuing education. Through this process, they acquire the following skills and competencies: 1) Client assessment, 2) Motivational interviewing, 3) Chronic disease management, 4) Case management, 5) Confidentiality maintenance, 6) Conflict resolution, 7) Client-centered counseling, 8) Referral making, and 8) Advocacy. Since the COVID pandemic, the program has been transitioned to an online platform. The training is currently offered in a hybrid (online and in-person) environment.
ConnectionHealth has been a community partner in past and ongoing initiatives with the University of Alabama, Birmingham, Jefferson County Department of Health, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, US Department of Health and Human Services/HRSA, yielding over $7.5 million in funding.
Our Services
Community Health Worker Training
- ConnectionHealth trains Community Health Workers to be well-prepared to serve in their communities along with partnering with organizations for apprenticeship opportunities and job placement.
- Community Health Workers are trained in the following core competencies:
- Communication Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Service Coordination Skills
- Capacity- Building Skills
- Advocacy Skills
- Teaching Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Knowledge Base on Specific Health Issues
Research Collaboration
- Our staff brings extensive expertise in managing grants, data management, reporting and ensuring treatment fidelity, and safeguarding privacy. Our expertise includes diabetes support, hypertension, and maternity support.
- Our volunteer leadership has experience with community health interventions, chronic disease management, racial and ethnic health disparities, prevention, wellness, and other aspects of healthcare that make a difference to vulnerable populations.
- ConnectionHealth collaborates with community stakeholders, healthcare providers, researchers, and organizations to tackle health challenges.
- Our team helps navigate the Health care system and recommends community-based resources like exercise classes, tips for healthy eating, and diabetes support groups.
Community Partnership
- ConnectionHealth is actively seeking partners who share our vision for a healthier community.
- Our mission to educate and strengthen Community Health Workers flourishes through collaboration with our partners.
- We work at a population level with health care, public health, and other community partners to promote prevention, improve health and well-being, improve quality, and reduce healthcare costs.
- Our team at ConnectionHealth is expanding our reach and is eager to collaborate with organizations that share our dedication to Community Health. We are prepared to be your community partner for better care. Our goal is to create healthier communities, and by working together, we can achieve improved outcomes and greater access to healthcare.