Inaugural Community Health Worker Cohort Graduates

Tuesday, January 14, the inaugural Community Health Worker cohort graduated with their certificates, ready to provide more local residents with help navigating the complex health care system. The certificate will allow graduates to pursue careers a Patient/Health Navigators, Community Health Educators or Enrollment Specialist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand of these types of workers in continuing to grow, BLS estimates a growth rate of 21% by 2020 thus increase the demand for qualified workers in Sacramento and across the country.

This program was brought to life through a partnership between Health Net, WellSpace Health, Sacramento City College, and the Greater Sacramento Urban League. The inaugural Community Health Workers cohort at the Greater Urban League of Sacramento provided 15 local students with the necessary academic and financial support to earn a certificate of completion.

Danielle, a graduate from the inaugural cohort, shared her thoughts on the impact of the Community Health Worker program and the scholarship support.

"This program has meant a lot to me because of the connection and trust I have with the community, learning the skills to be able to assist the community, learning the language of a CHW, being cultural competent was really important and learning the correct health care language when working with clients and primary care physicians. I really learned a lot about the U.S healthcare systems and how insurance providers work to bridge the gap on health care services. It was a really nice gesture to offer the community health worker class scholarship money because it really helped to relieve stress and I was able to pay for transportation (gas) back and forth to class, I was able to buy dinner after work because I went to class right after working 8 hours. I was also able to purchase notebooks, highlighters and writing paper. I really appreciate the scholarship money it made me feel the support we needed and someone was proud and care about the well being of the students and the community."