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CHW Education Opportunities

Community Advancement and Resources

Recovery Equity Videos: Video Series by Hazelden Berry Ford Foundation 

Welcome to the Recovery Equity video series, a space for us to reflect on hard truths, consider promising initiatives and imagine new possibilities. We hope you will join our conversations and our commitment to learn together, listen openly, appreciate diversity, amplify unheard voices, think differently, challenge the status quo and take action to effect change.

Asthma Podcast: Health Chatter

Health Chatter podcast hosts Stan Shanedling and Clarence Jones chat with Dr. Gail Brottman about asthma. Dr. Brottman is the Director of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine at Hennepin County Medical Center, and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Brottman has been involved in pediatric asthma since 1992, as a clinician, researcher and program facilitator at Hennepin Healthcare. In addition to these roles, she has been a member of the Minnesota Department of Health’s Asthma Advisory Committee since 2018, and serves on the Camp Superkids Medical Board, and the American Lung Association in Minnesota. Dr. Brottman is a physician champion and is committed to Patient-Centered Care. “I work with patients and families to help them understand what is happening with their lungs and feel confident in controlling their asthma.”

Professional Development

Advocacy Training for CHWs

The course is intended for CHWs and CHW Supervisors. Learners will have the ability to access and download videos, reading materials, and reflection exercises on the following topics:

  • The history and background of CHW programs.
  • How to advocate for improved health care and working conditions.
  • How to tell personal stories to advocate for change.
  • How to use technology tools to participate in global conversations.

Click here to access the course. 

Minnesota Department of Health Learning Center

The learning center is designed to support local public health agencies, hospitals, clinics, communities, institutions, and others by providing access to both in-person and online educational opportunities on a broad array of topics.

If you don’t already have a free account, click here.

Certificate Programs

About CHW Certificate Programs

Community Health Worker (Fully ONLINE)

As a community health worker, you will provide the first line of support for people in need of assistance with health care and social services. NTC’s Community Health Worker program will prepare you to serve in a variety of health care organizations. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed to help your community increase and improve access to health care, improve access to health care for racial and ethnic minorities, improve quality of care for the chronically ill, promote healthy communities and educate families about access to and use of health care coverage. Community health workers perform a broad range of health-related functions and play an important role in bridging the gap between cultures and health care systems.

Gerontology & Aging Care Program (Fully ONLINE)

Beginning in spring 2021, Northwest Technical College will address unprecedented growth in life expectancy and aging populations with a new online Gerontology & Aging Care program. Students who complete the program will be well-trained eldercare specialists with knowledge and expertise in the field of aging and associated issues. Graduates of the program will possess the knowledge and skills needed to provide seamless quality service to the aging population and their families. Career pathways include a wide variety of service and leadership opportunities related to psychology, economics, health and wellness, public policy and advocacy and service.

Northwest Technical College is now offering an 18 credit, 2-semester Certificate program in Gerontology. Click here to learn more. 

Health Sciences Field Associate of Science (Fully ONLINE)

The Health Sciences Broad Field Associate of Science (AS) degree may be the perfect place to start if you’re planning to pursue a four-year degree or double major in Northwest Technical College programs such as nursing, dental assisting or medical office technology. The program, which is offered online or on campus, provides a flexible path of study for you to explore career options in health and human services. Graduates who want or need to work can use the AS degree to be qualified for employment as a nursing assistant before deciding whether to further their studies. Most graduates eventually advance their studies with another NTC degree or transfer to a baccalaureate program within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. Students completing the Health Sciences Broad Field will work closely with advisers to plan their academic and career path in the high-demand health and human services fields.

Grants Management

Training and Other Resources

12/3: Radon Partnership Meeting

2:00 PM Central. These meetings are intended for local public health partners, non-profits and health care facilities interested in radon. In the meetings, we will discuss health equity initiatives, give updates on MDH’s radon program, talk about National Radon Action Month (NRAM) activities, partner resources, and promote partnerships. Continuing education credits available for sanitarians (2.0) and nurses.

Nurturing Dignity: Understanding Hospice and End-of-Life Support

Sponsored by Home Instead.

Dec. 4 | 1:00 pm Eastern | 10:00 am Pacific

Building Confidence: Exploring Fall Risks, Fear and Prevention Strategies

Sponsored by Best Buy Health.

Dec. 17 | 1:00 pm Eastern | 10:00 am Pacific

12/5-12/6: MnTIER: MN Trauma-Informed Emergency Response and Recovery Training

Sponsored by: Minnesota Department of Health – Disaster Behavioral Health

This free two-day training is offered December 5-6, 2024 from 9:00 am-4:00 pm each day. Certificates of Attendance will be available for 8 CE credits for attendees who complete the entire training. MNTier is a trauma-informed program influenced by SAMHSA’s six principles of trauma-informed care and Trauma-Informed Oregon trainings. This training will provide an understanding of how MN teams and organizations can learn the definition, principles, and particulars of trauma-informed care in and out of disasters, as well as discuss how to use assessments and measures to develop protocols for practical application of trauma-informed care. Adequate breaks will be provided throughout the training to enhance learning. For more details and the training agenda, please contact Janet.R.Yeats.Contractor@state.mn.us for a descriptive flyer.

Understanding the Health Impacts of Military Service

Sponsored by Right at Home.

Dec. 11 | 1:00 pm Eastern | 10:00 am Pacific

12/10: Data and strategies for disability equity and inclusion

Sponsored by: County Health Rankings & Roadmaps

3:00 PM Eastern. The Americans with Disabilities Act aims to ensure rights and opportunities for people with disabilities, including equitable access to transportation, jobs, and health care. Even so, there are still policies and harmful stereotypes that prevent people with disabilities from thriving. We will discuss ways to center those with disabilities in our latest webinar this December.

12/11: Zines: A Collaborative, Participatory Method for Sharing Community Member Experiences with Diabetes and Health

Sponsored by: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

1:00 PM Mountain. Zines are a visual storytelling device focused on telling the stories of those often unheard. Presenters will share their processes for implementing a ‘zine design and dissemination project about community members’ experiences of diabetes within their communities.

Building Confidence: Exploring Fall Risks, Fear and Prevention Strategies

Sponsored by Best Buy Health.

Dec. 17 | 1:00 pm Eastern | 10:00 am Pacific

Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Special Focus on Holidays and Anniversaries

Sponsored by Right at Home.

Jan. 15 | 1:00 am Eastern | 10:00 am Pacific

1/16: Grieving Our Losses: Defined and Ambiguous

Sponsored by: Minnesota Department of Health – Disaster Behavioral Health

Pauline Boss, PhD, coined the term ambiguous loss to define a kind of loss that lacks closure or complete information. It can be more difficult to process than uncomplicated grief as the situation may be more complex than a distinct life or death differentiation. This presentation will discuss defined and ambiguous losses that occur because of trauma and difficult situations, including disasters, and how to pay attention to and process grief for yourself and others. This webinar will be presented by Janet Yeats, MA LMFT, on January 16, 2025 from 3:00-4:30 pm. Register at https://www.train.org with ID #1105343. Contact Janet.R.Yeats.Contractor@state.mn.us with questions.

2/20: De-escalating Emotionally Charged People and Situations

Sponsored by: Minnesota Department of Health – Disaster Behavioral Health

De-escalated people and situations can be challenging and threatening. Understanding that stress and trauma can increase negative responses may assist in managing responses. This training will help attendees learn the art of defusing a tense situation while also tending to the physical and emotional safety of all involved. This webinar is offered February 20, 2024 from 3:00-4:30 pm and offers 1.5. CE credits. Register at https://www.train.org with ID #1105092. Contact Janet.R.Yeats.Contractor@state.mn.us with questions.