The Central Ohio Pathways HUB CHW Certification Training Program Begins Fall 2022 Cohort

By: Dr. Tanikka Price, Education Director, Health Impact Ohio

The Central Ohio Pathways HUB Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification Program was started in 2020 with the goal of training CHWs who are already working as CHWs or those looking to enter the field. Our certification program is a twelve-week, six-hour-a-week, three-days-a-week virtual training program that includes didactic teaching, pre-work, practicum placement, and robust class discussion. The class covers a broad range of topics, from social determinants of health to racial disparities, as well as cultural competency and humility. This certification program encompasses all aspects of physical, social, and mental well-being.

 We are so honored to welcome Cohort 4 Community Health Worker Certification Program. After a thorough interviewing and application process, we ended up with thirty-one students in the Fall cohort. 

Additionally, as part of an Ohio Department of Health grant, Health Impact Ohio recruited seven high school students pursuing a career in medicine. The grant aims to increase the number of high school students in the medical profession. Reynoldsburg High School assisted in identifying fifteen strong candidates for our CHW program. After an interview conducted by HUB staff Mary Mutegi and myself, seven of the strongest candidates were asked to enroll in the class.

Our most memorable class so far was when the students presented on “What Motherhood Means to Me.” Students were asked to be as creative as possible to explore the socio-emotional aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. It is a therapeutic and cathartic class as students explore both their identities as mothers as well as their relationships with their mothers. 

One of the most outstanding presentations was one student who sang “Mama” by Boys II Men. Another was a poem read by Alma Khanal. We have shared both here.

Our next cohort will begin Monday, February 27, 2023. Applications will be available in January 2023.