Developing the Next Generation of Community Health Leaders

In this article, we will discuss how Umemba Health is developing the next generation of CHW leaders using a Training of Trainers (ToT) approach. Read on to find out more about Train the CHW Trainer?.

Why is there a need for CHW Trainers?

According to BLS.gov, there are approximately 60,000 Community Health Workers (CHW) currently employed in the workforce. This number is growing by leaps and bounds because of the crucial roles CHWs served during the COVID-19 response, as well as the financial backing of major public health organizations committed to ensuring that more people are trained and hired as CHWs.

As more Community Health Workers are needed in the public health workforce, more CHW Trainers are needed to support CHWs with continuing education and professional development.

What is a CHW Trainer?

A CHW Trainer is an individual approved to provide instruction and training in one or more of the core competencies for Community Health Workers. At Umemba Health, we help CHW Trainers contribute to the larger goal of enhancing community health through comprehensive CHW training that builds upon skills that CHWs will need to prevent health disparities and improve health outcomes for the clients and communities they serve.

CHW Trainers help elevate the profession

Community Health Workers play a pivotal role in public health and healthcare delivery, particularly in under-served and marginalized communities. Investing in specialized training for those who train CHWs can have a cascade of positive impacts on the CHW profession as a whole including, but not limited to;

• Standardization: Effective training ensures that CHWs across different regions follow standardized guidelines, providing a consistent quality of care.
• Up-to-Date Knowledge: Trainers armed with the latest public health information and strategies can ensure that CHWs are updated as well.
• Scalability and Sustainability: By training the trainer, you essentially equip CHWs to train their peers, which is more scalable and sustainable in the long run.
• Curriculum Development: Skilled trainers can adapt and improve training curricula over time, making training programs more robust.
• Skill Development: Trainers can adapt training curriculum to focus on skill gaps, continuously improving the competency of the CHW workforce.

Who should be a CHW Trainer?

Community Health Workers with training experience as well as healthcare trainers, health educators, CHW supervisors, and program managers can all be trained as CHW Trainers. Additionally, professionals with a foundation in public/community health will also find this training highly relevant and beneficial to their careers and communities. For those already training CHWs, we recommend they strive to become Master CHW Trainers, someone that trains CHWs but is also qualified to train other CHW Trainers.

What is Train the CHW Trainer? (TTCT)?

Train the CHW Trainer? is a one-of-a-kind series of training solutions developed by Umemba Health and designed for individuals that aspire to elevate their skills in community health training. Train the CHW Trainer? features courses, workshops, products, and services designed to transform aspiring and current CHW Trainers into Master CHW Trainers. During the month of September, Umemba Health will offer live webinars for those interested in learning more about becoming a CHW Trainer and the competencies needed to excel in community health worker training. Save your seat at our upcoming events to learn more:

Understanding the CHW Role: A Webinar for ASPIRING CHW Trainers

September 8, 2023, 12pm CST

• This insightful webinar is designed specifically for aspiring CHW trainers. It offers a comprehensive look into the community health worker profession. This webinar will review the core elements of the CHW profession, best practices in CHW education, and how to navigate the CHW training landscape. Whether you're an experienced?professional looking to transition into CHW training or just starting your journey in the field, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration needed to excel as a CHW trainer helping you to embrace the opportunity to shape the future of public health by equipping Community Health Workers!
• REGISTER HERE

CHW Training Essentials: Core Skills for CHW Trainers

September 8, 2023, 12pm CST:

• In this webinar you will discover the fundamental skills and competencies you need to excel in training Community Health Workers. Whether you are an aspiring CHW trainer or an experienced professional looking to refine your skills, this webinar will provide comprehensive and practical guidance to the art and science of CHW training. Engage with leading experts and gain access to valuable resources that will support your journey in becoming an exceptional CHW trainer.
• REGISTER HERE

Incorporating Technology in CHW Training: Innovative Methods and Tools

September 22, 2023, 12pm CST

• This webinar will delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of technology in training. Designed for educators, trainers, and healthcare professionals, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and skills to transform your CHW training approach through innovative technology. Learn from industry leaders, participate in live demonstrations, and engage in thoughtful discussions with peers. Let us help you to modernize your approach to CHW training.
• REGISTER HERE

The CHW Trainer’s Circle (Invitation Only)

September 29, 2023, 12pm CST

• Introducing "The CHW Trainer's Circle," an exclusive, invitation-only gathering for CHW Trainers dedicated to advancing the education and training of Community Health Workers (CHWs). This elite forum promises to be an intimate and enriching experience where the brightest minds in CHW training come together to share, learn, and innovate. The Trainer's Circle is not your typical membership. This is an alliance in the making! Joining the Trainer's Circle will help you to foster deep connections, encourage out-of-the-box thinking, and promote excellence in CHW training. Participation is limited to allow ample opportunities for interaction and innovation during each meeting. Click the link to apply to “The CHW Trainer’s Circle.”
• APPLY HERE

If you are an individual interested in learning more about how you can become a CHW Trainer, visit https://www.umembahealth.com/chwtrainer

If you’re an organizational or academic leader and would like to inquire about partnership or getting your staff trained as CHW Trainers, find out more by visiting https://www.umembahealth.com/workforce-development

We can’t wait to transform public health together!

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About Umemba Health

Our mission is to transform public health through comprehensive workforce development. We are developing the next generation of public health leaders, one professional at a time! Find out how we can educate your workforce, empower your leaders, and expand your community presence by visiting?www.umembahealth.com.