Lori J. McNicholas, PHD, RD¹, Hilda Araiza², Ruth Manzano³, Kendra Brandstein, MPH, MSW⁴, Kendra Brandstein, MPH, MSW⁴, and Kendra Brandstein, MPH, MSW⁴. (1) GSPH/Por La Vida Project, San Diego State University, Por La Vida - SDSU Foundation, 6505 Alvarado Road, Suite 205, San Diego, CA 92120, 619-594-2437, mcnichol@mail.sdsu.edu, (2) CHW Regional Development Center, 555 Broadway, Suite 2029, Chula Vista, CA 91910, (3) Health Promotion Department, Escondido Community Health Center, 425 N. Date Street, Escondido, CA 92025, (4) The California Program, Project Concern International, 148 East 30th Street, Suite Up-South, National City, CA 91950

Within San Diego, there are more than thirty programs that utilize some type of "Community Health Worker" (CHW) or "promotora" model to improve health. Since 1999, the San Diego CHW Regional Development Center has become an emerging force in a healthcare environment recognizing the value of Community Health Workers. Key partners are three groups with significant history and experience with CHWs, and a hospital that is also a site for health professionals training. The plethora of existing programs and high interest in collaboration enabled a participative process for implementation of a Resource Center that responds to local needs. The requirements are unique and non-duplicative of the efforts of state and national networks. The Center has a full-time director to coordinate activities from several funding sources. A fully functioning Advisory Board provides guidance for the Center with membership that includes CHWs, program managers, health providers and HMOs.

Ever-increasing competition continues to affect countless community-based programs, with extreme reduction or even termination of services. In many cases, CHW programs and CHWs are being asked to do more, often without being given all of the necessary resources. The San Diego Center promotes training and networking opportunities, as well as advocating for a more defined role for the CHWs. Efforts are underway for a certification program with the community colleges. A continued presence will sustain the efforts and capacities of CHWs and their programs, as well as facilitating further healthcare career development opportunities. Key partners (not CHWs) will present this paper to APHA attendees.

Learning Objectives:

• Objectives
• 1. To describe the career-building strategies developed for CHWs and CHW programs in San Diego
• 2. To identify results that provide particular insight into the usefulness of such a center

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.