Community Health Professionals Training and Resources
For 25 years the Healthy Capital District has been providing direct services and assists over 15,000 Capital Region community members annually thru a vast array of services. As any provider of social services will tell you, most clients need more than one service. We took this to heart and took action. For planning purposes - data, health planning tools, community health needs assessment, referral guides, and related resources were developed. Next robust professional development and supports for the evidence-based roles of the Community Health Worker and the Medicaid-reimbursable Certified Peer were implemented. Below, you will find training resources, info on resources for the CHW and Certified Peer competencies, info on our CRPA HCD Professional Development Program Information, and CPS HCD Professional Development Program Information, the top physical and mental health conditions impacting the region, calendars of activities and events relevant to these roles, and much more! No matter what your job title is, if you are helping people reach their health goals, these resources will empower you.
All required foundational training, books, exam & application fees, and submission of completed CRPA-P application are included. View the current 2024 schedule for this two-week course here.
GREAT NEWS! We're pleased to announce that course offerings are now open for 2025. Check them out HERE. Follow us on Eventbrite as even more dates become available in 2025!
Monthly workshops, provided by leading experts in the field, hone in on the many facets of recovery. Events are generally three hours long and intended for anyone who works with people struggling with behavioral health. Join us for our upcoming "The Recovery Process Series" by registering here.
These monthly, one-hour workshops are specific to the certified peer, and provide a unique opportunity to network, learn, and share with other Certified Peers. View upcoming CRPA Mini-Workshops here. Workshops are held at Hive of Hope in Albany, NY unless noted otherwise.
Training and Professional Development Resources for Community Health Workers
A Community Health Worker is a frontline health worker and trusted leader who has a unique understanding of the needs of the communities they serve. CHWs are an intermediary between health services, social services, and community members. On behalf of community residents, they advocate for change, build knowledge and self-sufficiency, and increase access to quality and culturally competent services. CHW titles include Patient Navigator, Patient Advocate, Care Coordinator, and Community Ambassador. Explore our collection of professional development resources. We've provided tutorials, resources, and tools for each competency.
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Certified Recovery Peer Advocate Training: Healthy Capital District offers courses for provisional certification for the role of Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA)! We support you through the entire process and are dedicated to your success!! Unlike other programs, we provide THREE MONTHS of support after course completion! From completing foundational training, MSR, and Ethics, to submitting a completed application, we are here for you! Visit Eventbrite to explore all upcoming course dates and other professional development opportunities.FREE CHW Training: Offered through Hudson Mohawk Area Health Education Center: This Community Health Worker training provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to address several health needs in the community. Through the training modules, participants will gain the necessary core competencies and knowledge of the communities and populations they support. Click here for more information.
WNY R-AHEC: Self-guided courses (virtual trainings) that give the learner control and offer continuing education credits. The courses are all either free or $10.- Courses offering CC credits:
https://www.r-ahec.org/workforce/continuing-education-credits/ - Completion Certificate Courses (no CC Credits)
https://www.r-ahec.org/workforce/self-guided-courses/ - Instructor-led trainings (Professionalism and Mental Health First Aid):
https://www.r-ahec.org/workforce/instructor-led-trainings/
Public Health Training Opportunities: Training Search | NNPHI (phlearningnavigator.org) This comprehensive site offers the flexibility to select courses by topic, CE credit availability, length, and job task.
NYS Citizen Public Health Leader Training Program: Become a designated NYS Citizen Public Health Leader in your community. The goal of this program is to have at least one citizen public health leader in every neighborhood and community. Leaders will understand the state of health in NY and the factors that influence health. They will have foundational knowledge related to key public health issues and skills to connect and communicate with peers, allies, and key social resources. As a citizen public health leader, you will be able to take an active role in helping your community prevent and rebuild from the effects of COVID-19. Over the longer term, you’ll be a part of an informed network that can be mobilized to share information and plan for prevention, detection, and response in the event of public health emergencies. NYS Citizen Public Health Training Program - eCornell
University of Albany Center for Public Health Continuing Education Programs: View Trainings | PHTC Online (phtc-online.org)
- Courses offering CC credits:
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Tutorials
Stress Management & Family Support Flipchart (nyu.edu) - a “how to” for supporting individuals and families experiencing increased stress
Stress Management Lesson (Self-Guided) - Steps to Leaps - Purdue University - This module (25-45mins) will introduce you to a variety of ways to recognize and cope with stress. Throughout this self-guided module, you will work through action steps to create stress management goals, identify stressors and practice some stress coping skills.
The Messenger Chronicles: Managing Stress and Time | PHTC Online (phtc-online.org) - Learn to recognize the symptoms of stress and the factors that may increase susceptibility to stress. Strategies to manage stress are offered in this scenario-based training. Learners are also given a framework for managing and prioritizing tasks to help minimize "stress-causing" situations. Job aids like the "Project Startup Tool" and the "Urgent/Important Matrix" are provided for learners' use.
Depression Center Toolkit - a toolkit created by the University of Michigan Depression Center
Live Your Life Well (by Mental Health America) - provides the “10 Tools to Living Life Well”
Applying Emotional Intelligence to Recovery (naadac.org)
Tools and Resources
Greater Good Science Center - a research-based collection of articles, practices, and expert opinions on positive practices for well-being
Infographic: A day in the life of a community health worker | CT Health Foundation - infographics depict “a day in the life of a Community Health Worker”
https://www.montefiore.org/healingarts-relaxationtracks - Relaxation Audio Tracks and Hotlines for use and for referrals
https://www.verywellmind.com/tips-to-reduce-stress-3145195 - 18 Effective Stress Relief Strategies on How to Relive Stress Now and in the Future
https://www.rd.com/jokes/ - Reader’s Digest – Jokes, Riddles, and More!
Tutorials
Time Management Lesson - Steps to Leaps - Purdue University - This module will introduce participants to ways they can improve their time management skills by reducing time-wasting behaviors and thinking patterns, and increasing organization. Participants will explore some of the psychological traps that produce ineffective time management and learn tips and tricks that can quickly save time and effort when trying to complete a packed schedule.
Time Management - This module ( 27 mins) shares effective strategies for time management, planning & prioritizing, creating time logs and to-do lists, avoiding time wasters/time robbers, implementing Pareto principle of 80/20, deciding what’s Urgent vs Important, and the difference of busy vs. productive.
How I Manage My Time- 10 Tips - (10 mins) 10 principles and ideas to manage time effectively in daily life.
Tools and Resources
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/time-management-tips-2947336 - quick time management tips to increase productivity and prevent burnout
https://symondsresearch.com/time-management-activities - training course materials to teach time management to clients
28 Free Time Management Worksheets | Smartsheet - multiple time management templates and tools to address personal and professional time management needs
Tutorials
Advocacy101forCHWs - an advocacy training (1.5 hrs.) designed for and by Community Health Workers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUBuzovlSb8 - a video (1 hr.) on the community health workers' role in health equity
https://digitalmedic.stanford.edu/advocacy-training-community-health-workers - mobile advocacy course designed by Stanford University
Advocacy Toolkit: Skills and Strategies for Effective and Peer Advocacy | BrainLine - This Advocacy Tool Kit is a training tool for people with disabilities, their families, and friends to help build and support strong advocacy skills.
Tools and Resources
Resources – We the Patients (wethepatientsny.org) - "We The Patients" provides tools and resources to engage patients in healthcare advocacy and to create a better healthcare system by working together with community members, activists, unions, nonprofits, policymakers, volunteers, and more.
Community Outreach and Engagement
Tutorials
Making The Connections: Our City, Our Society, Our Health - A terrific overview of community engagement (4 mins)
Partnership Development - partnership development training focused on building capacity - a webinar (1.5 hrs)
Tools and Resources
I am a CHW | RCHWN - a campaign tool aimed to educate community members on the role of the CHW while also providing a platform for CHWs to share their experiences, passions, and resources
Social Identity Worksheet Activity - an exercise in which you map out different aspects of your social identity (i.e., social group membership) and reflect on how these interconnect with one another to shape your life experiences
Community Organizing & Community Change - a video (-15mins) on promoting community change and social activism through community organizing
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Tutorials
*Motivational Interviewing: An Introduction - a video (~18 minutes) covering the basic concepts of Motivational Interviewing (MI). After a brief definition, topics include the Spirit of MI, The four basic OARS skills, and the "processes" of MI
Healthy Hearts Northwest Webinar 4: Motivational Interviewing on Vimeo - a presentation (45 mins.) on the origins of and evidence behind motivational interviewing, and practical tips on how to use it. Topics include strategies for keeping patients with multiple challenges focused and ways to use confidence levels during motivational interviewing conversations
Motivational Interviewing: Fundamental Skills (OARS) - (Session 2) - Bing video - a webinar (1 hr) focused on Motivational Interviewing and using open questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summary reflections O.A.R.S
Active Listening: Communication Skill - a one-page overview of what active listening is, and how to demonstrate it
The Messenger Chronicles: Introduction & The Four Cs | PHTC Online (phtc-online.org) - The "Messenger Chronicles: Effective communication strategies for difficult conversations" presents a new framework for communication in difficult situations. This framework shifts focus away from managing "difficult" people towards an understanding of the process of difficult conversations and accepting responsibility for one's own performance. Given realistic situations and real-world conversations, learners will experience communication strategies and practical techniques in context.
Health Literacy Basics | Health Literacy | CDC - an overview and explanation of health literacy and how to explain health literacy to others
Guide for Easy to Understand Materials (cdc.gov) - “Simply Put”, a guide for creating easy-to-understand materials
Tools and Resources
OARS in Motivational Interviewing.pdf (nicic.gov) - a worksheet outlining each of the core motivational skills- open questions, affirmations, reflective responses, and summarizing
Practice Active Listening: Learn How to Listen Attentively (verywellmind.com) - an explanation of Active Listening and tips for implementation
31-How To Listen Worksheet (wisc.edu) - active listening exercises and techniques
Communication Self-Assessment | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (ahrq.gov) - a self-assessment worksheet to improve communication skills
Picture This! [National Institutes of Health (NIH) 2021)] - This NIH resource provides suggestions on selecting or developing images (drawings, illustrations, charts, maps, or animations) to accompany your text (or voice-over in the video) to achieve the desired outcome.
Teaching Patients with Low Literacy Skills - This free downloadable book is considered a classic text in health literacy.
Tutorials
Techniques for Effective Patient Self-Management (video, 21 mins)
Patients and Providers Discuss Importance of Asking Questions - In these short videos, patients talk about how simple questions can help you take better care of yourself, feel better, and get the right care at the right time. Doctors and nurses talk about how your questions help them take better care of you and give advice on how you can be an active member of your healthcare team and get your questions answered.
Tools and Resources:
Waiting Room Video (7 mins.) - features patients and clinicians discussing the importance of asking questions at medical visits
My Questions for This Visit - list of questions to bring to a doctor’s visit
Be More Involved In Your Health Care: Tips for Patients - This brochure gives patients tips to use before, during, and after a medical appointment to make sure they get the best possible care.
Question Builder - The Question Builder helps people create a list of questions they can take to appointments if they are getting a checkup, talking about a problem or health condition, getting a prescription, or discussing a medical test or surgery.
Patient Prep Card - This card provides an outline for questions and setting health goals before medical appointments.
Patient Note Sheet - helps people record important information they receive during medical appointments
Next Steps After Your Diagnosis - This page offers general advice for people with almost any disease or condition. And it has tips to help you learn more about your specific problem and how it can be treated.
Research Summaries for Consumers - These free research summaries discuss the benefits and risks of different treatments for different health conditions and are based on comparative effectiveness reviews that cover health topics suggested by the public.
20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors - these tips tell what patients what they can do to get safer care
How to Create a Pill Card - Patients, parents, or anyone who needs to keep track of their medicines can create an easy-to-use "pill card" using the instructions and sample clip art on this page.
Cultural Competence and Responsiveness
Tutorials
Advancing Cultural Competence SUNY Albany Course with Certificate – 12.5 CEs - this course provides cutting-edge cultural competence continuing education through free, self-paced online coursed.
The Colorado Trust: Health Equity and the Social Determinants of Health - video presentation (1.5 hrs.) Dr. Troutman shares insights about how social determinants of health — where people live, learn, work and play -- affect health, and what we can do to address these factors.
Exploring the Connection Between Racial Healing and Health - a webinar(1hr.) exploring the connection between racial healing and health
*Community Engagement & Cultural Competence - Through this self-paced course, community health workers and healthcare professionals will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the functioning of unique and culturally rich communities and serve them better. This training will help you develop a broader skill set to ensure better health for all members of our community.
*Gender Identity and Pronouns (~4 minutes) - a brief video explaining gender identity and pronouns
Learning About Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Expression (SOGIE) (six minutes, 34 seconds)
Tools and Resources
What is Health Equity? - Health Equity video, fact sheets, briefs, reports, and infographics
Minority Health Disparity Story: Michelle - a short video (5 mins) from a CHW on addressing health disparities
*Conscious & Unconscious Biases in Health Care, NCCC:: Bias - This course focuses on conscious and unconscious biases in health care and their impact on people who are disproportionately affected by disparities in health and health care. It will offer an array of innovative activities, based on current evidence and best practices, that are intended to diminish the negative impact of biases.
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) and Service Coordination
Tutorials
10 Minute SDOH Overview - A brief video (10mins) on the factors that interfere with health equity and the ability of patients to get their health care needs met. For patients with complex lives and complex health needs, these challenges are even more pronounced. These social determinants of health, such as income, education, transportation, housing, and race or ethnicity, have a powerful influence on a patient's life long before they arrive at a hospital or clinic.
SDOH Overview - a video (7 mins) explains the foundational impact of structural racism, social determinants of health and their impact on historically marginalized populations, and steps necessary to achieving health equity in affected communities
What are social determinants of health, and how do they impact the health of populations:
*Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Connecting Complex Needs Patients to Community Resources (1.5 hrs.) - This webinar will feature speakers who will share strategies for addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) through screening approaches, innovative technologies that track social service referrals, and development of strong connections with community partners.
Medical College of Wisconsin - a presentation (1 hr.) on the historical basis for health disparities, the impact of social determinants of health, and the merging of health disparities and social determinants of health and how they impact health and health outcomes.
Engaging in Difficult Conversations About Racial Inequity - video recording from YWCA Bucks County (1hr)
Tools and Resources
SDOH and the Capital Region - The United For ALICE Project is a nationwide effort to provide a more accurate picture of financial insecurity at the state, county, and municipal level. It provides a framework, language, and tools to measure and understand the struggles of a population called ALICE — an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
Promoting Health Equity - A Resource to Help Communities Address Social Determinants of Health (cdc.gov)This Promoting Health Equity workbook provides tools to develop, implement, and evaluate interventions that target SDOH.
SDOH and YOU connecting the dots Multiple engaging activities designed to prompt discussion and a thorough understanding of SDOH in order to best support community members
Community_Health_Worker_Care_Coordination Provides models for care coordination in rural communities
Letsgethealthy.ca.gov Reducing Inequities Infographic An infographic demonstrating the public health framework for reducing health inequities by addressing SDOH
Model_Care_Coordination.pdf (kpwashingtonresearch.org) Infographic for the Care Coordination Model
Social-Determinants-of-Health Infographic on the non-clinical factors that influence a person’s health
Engaging in Difficult Conversations About Racial Inequity-- (1 hr) video recording from YWCA Bucks County
Individual and Community Assessment Skills
Tutorials:
Identifying Community Health Needs and Assets- This course is a free CDC TRAIN course but does require setting up a CDC TRAIN account. The course is 45 mins and focuses on identifying communities with unmet/disproportionate health needs, finding what matters to people in the community, and describing the resources available for addressing the identified issues.
Conducting Community Health Assessments - At the end of this 45-minute online course, learners will be able to: define community health assessment, define the geographic boundaries of an assessment, and compile and describe evidence about local needs.
Personal Health Inventory Personal Health Inventory - a screening tool developed by the US Dept of Veteran Affairs that can be used with any adult population to assess health and well-being.
Developmental Screening - The Basics and How to Score: PHQ-2 & PHQ-9 - Bing video (7 mins) - The PHQ-2, comprising the first 2 items of the PHQ-9, inquires about the degree to which an individual has experienced depressed mood and anhedonia over the past two weeks. Its purpose is not to establish final diagnosis or to monitor depression severity, but rather to screen for depression. Patients who screen positive should be further evaluated with the PHQ-9 to determine whether they meet criteria for a depressive disorder.
Tools and Resources
Community Health Tools
Community Inventory - tool and worksheet for identifying community resources and what they offer
https://www.cdc.gov/chinav/docs/chi_nav_infographic.pdf - fantastic infographic on the 4 considerations to Improve Health and Well-Being for All
Health Screenings
Personal-Health-Inventory.pdf (uwhealth.org)- Customizable Personal Health Inventory Worksheet
Administering the Patient Health Questionnaires 2 and 9 (PHQ 2 and 9) in Integrated Care Settings (ny.gov)- a resource page from NYS Dept of Health for the PHQ2 and PHQ-9 Questionnaires
Patient Health Questionnaires - mental health and substance use disorder screening tools
SBIRT: Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based approach to identifying patients who use alcohol and other drugs at risky levels. The goal of SBIRT is to reduce and prevent related health consequences, disease, accidents, and injuries Below is a list of pre-screens, also known as a brief screen, which is defined by SAMHSA as "a rapid, proactive procedure to identify individuals who may have a condition or be at risk for a condition before obvious manifestations occur." (expando with below) Commonly used Pre-screening tools:
AUDIT-C - consists of three questions related to drinking frequency and quantity. The higher the score, the more likely alcohol is affecting the individual’s health and safety. Audit-C questions are a subset of the full 10-question Audit
AUDIT-C in Spanish | Full 10-question Audit in Spanish
NIDA Quick Screen - pre-screen that assesses the use of alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs for non-medical reasons and use of illegal drugs during the last year
DAST 1: A one-item screening tool for the past year's use of substances not including alcohol
Four Ps- pre-screen for prenatal substance use
Tutorials
Making healthcare decisions isn't always easy. Establishing a healthcare team and keeping your information organized can help you find the right care when you need it. These tools can help: https://www.healthycapitaldistrict.org/index.php?module=Tiles&controller=index&action=display&id=101046025653507357
Navigating uninsured patients through health care - Community health workers play a vital role in their communities, with the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. Read this impactful story on how Jacqueline Sanchez, a CHW, helps clients who have urgent medical needs and no health insurance
Video: Health Insurance: How Do I Get It, Pay for It and Use It? (31 minutes)
Video: What Immigrants and Refugees Need to Know about Health Coverage (23 minutes)
Tools and Resources:
Medicaid - OCHIA (nyc.gov) - a comprehensive overview of Medicaid eligibility, application requirements, and more
Essential-Plan-Fact-Sheet.pdf (lehman.edu) - PDF overview of the Essential Plan, enrollment guidelines, and resources for enrollment
Tutorials
The CHW FlipCharts are two-way visual aids designed to help CHWs provide brief educational instruction to community members on a variety of health and wellness topics. These resources can help keep the discussion on track and provide the participant with basic visuals and messages to reinforce the discussion. (expando with the below)
Diabetes 101 FlipChart:- Myths and Facts about Diabetes; Glucose and Insulin; What Is Diabetes?; Type 1 versus Type 2 Diabetes; Risk Factors for Diabetes; Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia; Taking Care of Your Diabetes Every Day; Monitoring Your Diabetes; Know Your Numbers
Diabetes Complications FlipChart: Effects of Diabetes; Nerve Health; Eye Health; Oral Health; Heart Health; Kidney Health; Footcare; Who Is on Your Care Team?
Hypertension 101 FlipChart:Topics: What Is Blood Pressure?; What Is Hypertension?; Heart Disease Risk Factors; Taking Care of Your Heart Every Day; Make Control Your Goal; Monitoring Your Blood Pressure; Know Your ABCs
Hypertension 201 FlipChart:Topics: Basics of Cholesterol; LDL and HDL; Total Cholesterol; Triglycerides; Heart-Healthy Diet; Heart Attack Basics; Know the Warning Signs; Stroke Risk and Warning Signs; Make a Plan: Talking to Your Family and Friends
Nutrition FlipChart:Topics: Energy In versus Energy Out; Plate Method for Portion Control; Understanding a Nutrition Facts Label; Avoiding Fat, Cholesterol, and Sodium; Barriers to Healthy Eating; Making Healthy Choices when Eating Out; Shopping on a Budget; Health Food Shopping in the Neighborhood
Physical Activity FlipChart:Topics: What Is Physical Activity?; Myths and Facts about Physical Activity; Why Is Being Active so Important?; How Much Physical Activity Do I Need?; What Activities Can I Do?; How to Prepare Myself to Do Regular Physical Activity; How Do I Stay Consistent?; Staying on Track with a Buddy
Smoking and Your Health FlipChart:Topics: Types of Cigarettes: Know the Facts; How Does Smoking Affect Your Health?; Health Benefits of Quitting; Smoking and Your Wallet; Secondhand Smoke; Creating a Quit Plan; Dealing with Triggers; Turning a Relapse into Something Positive
Stress Management and Family Support FlipChart: What Is Stress?; Common Causes of Stress; How Does Stress Affect My Body?; How Does Stress Affect My Behavior?; How Does Stress Affect My Emotions?; Managing Stress; Managing Emotions; Family Support
