In this enlightening episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca D. McCall sits down with Alisa Howard to explore the vital role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in behavioral health, with a particular focus on addressing opioid use disorder. With compassion and clarity, Alisa underscores the power of lived experience in reducing stigma, building trust, and humanizing the healthcare system. Together, they delve into how CHWs act as a bridge between clinical care and the communities they serve, offering peer support, cultural understanding, and a voice for those often left unheard. Alisa reflects on how “the thing that once saved me is now killing me,” highlighting the complexities of recovery and the importance of empathy in healing work. The conversation also touches on the financial sustainability of CHW roles, the need for formal integration into healthcare settings, and the professional development of CHWs. Through themes of forgiveness, sustainability, and the 8 Dimensions of Wellness, this episode challenges healthcare systems to rethink how they define support and healing. As Alisa says, “Community needs to be community all of the time,” and this episode is a reminder that true health must also include humanity.
Guest:
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.
Resources
- The Vital Role of Community Health Workers in Behavioral Health and Opioid Use Disorder Care presented by Alisa Howard: This recorded presentation explores the essential role of CHWs in behavioral health and OUD treatment, highlighting their key responsibilities, effective interventions, and impact on patient outcomes.
- 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.
- Nevada Certification Board: Offers certification for Community Health Workers (CHWs). Includes instructions for the certification process.
- Nevada Community Health Worker Association: NWCHWA’s mission is to unify, strengthen, and grow the presence of a diverse, collaborative network of Community Health Workers and Community Health Worker employers in Nevada by providing advocacy, promotion, education, support, and professional development opportunities focused on increasing access to health care and social services, and improving community wellness.
- Community Health Worker Coalition of Nevada (Facebook Group): A private group for CHWs to share resources, discuss workplace challenges, and connect with others in the field.
- Courageous Public Health Podcast: In this inspiring podcast, Alisa Howard, CHWi, CCHW, explores the themes of courage, empowerment, and community in the context of public health.
