Alameda Health System’s (AHS) community health workers (CHW) recently gathered to celebrate and share key learnings as graduates of the first Community Care Academy (CCA) learning program. CCA was developed by the community health department and was made possible by a grant from Alameda County Behavioral Health (ACBH).
“CHWs are vital to the health and well-being of our highest-risk patients and underserved communities. They serve as a bridge between patients, providers and community partners, said Lilly MacRae, RN, director of AHS’s Community Health program. “Supporting their ongoing learning and development enables AHS to provide affirmative, patient-centered care throughout the patient’s care journey.”
According to MacRae, the CCA learning series leverages the unique scope, experience, and knowledge of AHS CHWs and reinforces principles of team-based care and self-care to strengthen and sustain this essential workforce and prioritizes building relationships and fostering a supportive community.
“It is very easy to become siloed in our work and it can be super isolating at times,” shared Jasmin Canfield, manager, road to recovery SUD treatment program. “The CCA program created a space to feel truly seen, heard and connected.”
The six-week training program comprised of three CHW cohorts and one manager cohort offered the 44 participants a comprehensive curriculum that addressed both the technical and interpersonal aspects of the CHW role. In addition, several licensed clinical social workers, nurses and patient care coordinators who work closely with CHWs and are integral members of our care delivery teams were invited to participate in CAA.
“CCA helped to build our confidence in our skills as it relates to providing patient-centered care and working with our patients to help them achieve their goals,” said Maria Rivera, substance use disorder (SUD) community health outreach worker (CHOW). Although we provide counseling, health coaching and case management, perhaps the most important part of our role is our ability to connect and build trusting relationships with our patients.”
CEO James Jackson and graduation guest speaker shared his appreciation, “The work that you do every day is extraordinarily important and the connective role that each of you play in the lives of our patients is the secret sauce, which helps make AHS a successful health system and an integral part of the community we serve.”
The curriculum was co-created by the community health department in partnership with facilitator Saleena Gupte, DrPH, integrated care consultant and leadership coach. Some of the skill-building topics included reflective listening, boundary setting, time and energy management, self-care and empathic presence with patients.