Central State University offers Community Health Worker certificate program free to students
March 13, 2023 — Central State University’s Dayton location is growing as a workforce development hub. Central State and CareSource have developed a partnership that provides training services to community members who want to earn a Community Health Workers (CHW) certificate.
CareSource has awarded a $200,000 grant to cover the cost of the program. The no-cost-to-student certificate program prepares students to work in varied settings, including community-based health and social service agencies and home visitation programs.
"Ohio demonstrates a need for a pool of diverse healthcare workers to help address various health disparities within minority populations," said Central State University President Jack Thomas, Ph.D. "Our goal for this program is to provide a reliable pipeline of trained candidates for career opportunities within CareSource and the healthcare and human services field in general, and to have candidates complete the instruction and programming that will lead to healthcare-related certifications.”
A CHW provides services that help communities manage health and wellness. As a member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, the CHW provides support services and helps build trust and open lines of communication.
"CHWs are trained advocates in communities where they are connected by culture, language, or residence," said Central State University Director of Community Engagement and Business Partnerships, Stephen Washington. "They empower individuals to gain access to health and community resources through education, outreach, home visits, mentoring, and referrals."
Graduates of the certificate program have diverse skills including interviewing, collecting data, obtaining vital signs, mentoring, providing client advocacy, providing referrals to community resources, care coordination, promoting basic health, and working with culturally diverse clients and community organizations.
Community health workers may work in a wide variety of settings that may include hospital systems, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, public and private clinics, educational systems, learning extension centers, public agencies, or even serving clients in their own homes.
The 12-week course is offered in person at CSU Dayton, 840 Germantown St. For more information please contact swashington@centralstate.edu or 937-376-6470.
