As the opioid crisis continues to impact communities across the country, there is a growing need to strengthen the network of support around individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD). One critical role in this support system is the Community Health Worker (CHW). CHWs bridge gaps between healthcare, social and human service systems and individuals in need, offering culturally appropriate education, resources, and advocacy.
This presentation will explore the essential role of CHWs in behavioral health and OUD treatment, highlighting their key responsibilities, effective interventions, and impact on patient outcomes. Participants will also gain insights into integrating CHWs into existing programs to enhance care coordination and treatment success.
Webinar Objectives
At the end of the presentation, participants will:
- Gain insight into the crucial role CHWs play in supporting individuals with OUD and in the broader behavioral health space.
- Learn specific interventions and strategies that CHWs can use to improve patient outcomes.
- Understand how to integrate CHWs into their existing programs to enhance care coordination and treatment success.
Presented by: Alisa Howard, Community Health Worker Instructor and Owner of MHC
Alisa Howard is a Las Vegas native and Owner of Minority Health Consultants (MHC), a boutique public health, social impact and wellness firm focused on health disparities and connecting marginalized communities with vital resources, advocacy and prevention services. With over 12 years of experience, she serves on several local and national health boards, including the Nevada Certification Board and the National Association of Community Health Worker‘s Policy committee. A passionate advocate for health education, access, and policy herself, Alisa also trains Community Health Workers for over eight years, and has hosted two public health radio shows focusing on addressing health disparities. Believing firmly that public health must be shaped by the people it serves, Alisa is driven by the principle that true progress begins by involving the “community” in every aspect of our work.
Continuing Education Units: 1.5 CEUs
This training is approved for continuing education by the boards listed here.
This training is also approved by the Nevada Certification Board for the following certifications:
- Community Health Workers (CHW)
Funding for this activity was made possible in whole or in part by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director’s Office through the Fund for a Resilient Nevada, established in Nevada Revised Statutes 433.712 through 433.744. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in our courses are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Nevada Opioid Center of Excellence or its funders.