Fast-track option available in final year of Community Health Worker training program grant
In August 2023, the College of Health Solutions launched a program to expand Arizona’s workforce of Community Health Workers (CHWs) to help Arizonans in underserved areas gain access to healthcare and support services. To date, 75 trainees have completed the curriculum and are working to complete their placement requirements. As the program enters its final year of grant funding, trainees will fast-track their progress by completing the curriculum and placement hours concurrently.
“This program is well suited for folks who are interested in health but may not necessarily want to pursue a degree program or are not sure what areas of work within health care would be the best fit,” said Mindy McEntee, Community Health Worker Training Program (CHW-TP) director and assistant professor at the College of Health Solutions.
The two-part program includes an online curriculum paired with specialized training in the field with one of many community partners through an apprenticeship or internship, explains McEntee
“The Community Health Worker training program at ASU is helping fill a critical component of care for people living with multiple chronic conditions and challenges," said Tiffany Aldrete, Community Health Supervisor with Home Assist Health, one of the community partners for the CHW-TP. "Whether they are helping members identify and connect with available resources or navigate the often complex system of reaching a medical professional, scheduling appointments or dealing with insurance questions, Community Health Workers play a key role in improving patient understanding of their disease and improving their self-management of health habits, while reducing avoidable emergency department visits and hospitalizations."
Gabriel Baca, a current trainee in the CHW-TP, is completing his internship with Advance Community while working full-time as a patient coordinator for Critical Access Hospitals.
“I truly believe the CHW Training Program has been instrumental in my development as a future PA (physician’s assistant),” said Baca. “I feel more prepared to engage with diverse communities and address the unique health challenges that patients face. I want to work in communities, where I can provide direct patient care while also helping to improve health through education and advocacy.”
McEntee notes that while the program has partnered with over 40 community organizations, less than a dozen have the resources to support taking on additional interns or apprentices right now. As a result, more partners are needed to provide the necessary training opportunities.
One of the conditions of the grant funding is that at least 25 percent of the positions be apprenticeships. Finding organizations to take on apprentices has been challenging, but remains an excellent opportunity for organizations currently looking to hire CHWs.
“As a supervisor of our community health workers at Canyonlands Healthcare, I’ve seen firsthand how partnering with ASU’s CHW workforce development program is unlocking incredible potential,” said Camilla Adams, Population Health Director from Canyonland. “When you invest in people, equipping them with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive, it creates a ripple effect of positive change.”
There are grant-supported financial incentives available to help offset onboarding costs for organizations hosting internships or apprenticeships. Additional funds are also available to organizations in Maricopa and Pinal counties through the program’s partnership with Arizona@Work.
Those interested in learning more about or becoming a community partner with the ASU CHW-TP, please reach out by email to Mindy, McEntee at mindy.mcentee@asu.edu. To apply for the program visit the CHW-TP webpage on ASU Links.