Since 1988, the Community Health Advisor program has been addressing health concerns and inadequate access to health services in low-income communities across the United States. The Community Health Advisor Network, (CHAN) a training, technical assistance, networking organization which promotes establishment and support of Community Health Advisor programs, is now in its second year as a program of the Center for Sustainable Health Outreach. The Center for Sustainable Health Outreach (CSHO), a collaboration between the University of Southern Mississippi and the Harrison Institute for Public Law at Georgetown University Law Center, knows community health workers are an effective and efficient means of improving community health by linking communities and health care systems. CSHO also supports development, implementation, and evaluation of community health worker programs.
CHAN is currently developing a very different approach to the Community Health Advisor program - one that utilizes faith-based organizations as a vehicle to community wellness. Within many faith-based organizations or churches, there is a real sense of community present among its members. With members living across the community, these "natural helpers" can address concerns for community wellness. Initially, implementation will begin in one predominantly African - American church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Members of other area churches will also be invited to attend a training workshop for Community Health Advisors. They may also request that their church host a Community Health Advisor workshop. These trained natural helpers, or Community Health Advisors will select specific directions and approaches to develop strategies addressing health concerns in the community.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, participants should be able to understand the important role faith-based organizations play in the implementation of a Community Health Advisors program and in developing community wellness
Keywords: Community Health Advisor,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Center for Sustainable Health Outreach
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: 80% employment