Angela Reese, Neighborhood Initiatives, University of Illinois at Chicago, 845 S. Damen, 5th floor, chicago, IL 60612, 312 355 1905, areese1@uic.edu

The key to successful community-based programs lies in the effective training and continuing education of its community health workers. It is important for community health workers to gain knowledge and skills in presentation, leadership and community building.

Individuals chosen for these postitions are indigenous to the community that they are to work within. They possess varying skills, education and work experience. Many of the community health workers hired may experience similar life styles and challenges of the residents to be serviced.

Effective training and added skills allow the community health worker to gain insight and engage the residents in ways often not available to local agencies. When armed with tools of assessment and using dialogue to engage residents, the person receiving care knows that they will be heard and respected. Programs, community health workers and residents benefit greatly thru overall empowerment. Community health workers will co-present.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

• Discuss the value of continuing education and training for community health workers.
• Discuss effective training methods for community health workers.
• Identify community-based programs and/or scenarios through which community health workers improved participation.

Keywords: Community Health Promoters, Self-sufficiency and Empowerment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Chicago Partnership for Health Promotion University of Illinois Neighborhood Initiatives
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.