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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Agnes W. Hinton, DrPH, RD, Center for Sustainable Health Outreach, University of Southern Mississippi, Box 10015, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, Michael W. Tan, BS, JD, Center for Sustainable Health Outreach, part of the Harrison Institute for Public Law, Georgetown University Law Center, 50 F Street, NW, Suite 8300, Washington, DC 20001, and Durrell Fox, BSBA, New England HIV Education Consortium & Boston HAPPENS, 23 Miner Street, Floor G, Boston, MA 02215-3318, 617-355-8421, Agnes.Hinton@usm.edu.
Recently, there have been discussions among CHWs, program staff , CHW organizations, and other supporters regarding the need for a coordinating mechanism of organizations that support CHWs. Current national organizations include the CHW SPIG of APHA, the National Promotores/Lay Health Worker Association, and the National CHR Association. Further, a number of states have formed CHW associations, and others are in the formative stages. There are also some in-state organizations. However, there is no formal coordination between any of these groups. CSHO was formed in 1999 to help support the role of CHWs as an essential component of sustainable community wellness. Such support could include technical assistance in program development and support, funding and sustainability strategies, public policy development, strategic planning assistance, program evaluation, and education and training. CSHO facilitated the convening of representatives from national, state, and regional CHW organizations for an initial planning session on 2/26/02, immediately prior to our annual Unity Conference. CHWs took the lead in organizing and implementing the meeting, including setting the agenda and facilitating the meeting. CSHO staff served as conveners and provided local support. The representatives attending the meeting discussed the formation and functioning of the Federation, and outlined needed support for the Federation. A report on this meeting was presented at the Unity Conference, held this year in Biloxi, Mississippi. Conference participants included CHWs, program staff, and other supporters from across the U.S. This session will present the consensus reached at the meeting, as well as follow-up steps. We will also discuss ways CHWs and their supporters can be involved in future Federation activities.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Community Health Advisor, Coalition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.