Community Advancement and Resources
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. There are several modules that have been developed recently specifically for CHWs including Arthritis, Asthma, Diabetes, Heart Health, and Stroke Care for CHWs. More modules are currently in development; create and account by clicking the link below to access the training modules.
If you don’t already have a free account, click here.
Certificate Programs
About CHW Certificate Programs
There are five schools that current offer the CHW Certificate Program:
- Minnesota West Community and Technical College (fully online)
- Normandale Community College (hybrid)
- Northwest Technical College (fully online)
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (fully online)
- St. Catherine University (fully online)
Other Certificate Programs:
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.
Training and Other Resources
Minnesota Rural Health Conference June 9-10, 2025
3/27: Improving Health Outcomes for People with Prediabetes and Diabetes: Evidence, Challenges, Opportunities, and Resources
Sponsored by: Minnesota Department of Health – Diabetes Program
If you work with people experiencing prediabetes or diabetes, please join us for a webinar with presenter Lorena Drago, a registered dietitian, speaker, author, consultant, and certified diabetes care and educator specialist. Those at risk for or living with diabetes often face many challenges in preventing and managing their health conditions. Learn how unique barriers to health such as reduced access to care, unemployment, low incomes, housing cost burdens, or lack of health insurance can make managing chronic conditions such as prediabetes and diabetes more difficult. We will also discuss ways to address those barriers. Thursday, March 27 from noon to 1 p.m. Registration is free.
Audience: Those working with people experiencing prediabetes or diabetes.
4/14: Psychological First Aid
Sponsored by: Minnesota Department of Health – Disaster Behavioral Health
Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-informed approach built on the concept of human resilience. PFA aims to reduce stress symptoms and assist in a healthy recovery following a traumatic event, natural disaster, public health emergency, or even a personal crisis. A Certificate of Attendance will be available for 1.5 hours of continuing education credit. This webinar is provided the second month of every other month from 3:00-4:30 on August 12, 2024, October 14, 2024, December 9, 2024, February 10, 2025, April 14, 2025. Register at: https://www.train.org with ID #1101620. Contact Janet.R.Yeats.Contractor@state.mn.us with questions.
4/17: Grieving Our Losses: Defined and Ambiguous
Sponsored by: Minnesota Department of Health – Disaster Behavioral Health
Please join Janet Yeats for a presentation on grief. 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, and how to pay attention to and process grief for yourself and others. A Certificate of Attendance will be available for attendees to apply for 1.5 CE credits. Register at https://www.train.org with ID#1105343. If you have questions, please contact Janet.R.Yeats.Contractor@state.mn.us.
4/21: LINK ECHO Series: Linking Identification & Navigation for Perinatal Mental Health & Substance Use Care (LINK) Initiative
Sponsored by: Minnesota Perinatal Quality Collaborative
Join the LINK ECHO Series- A Free Virtual Learning Opportunity! The Minnesota Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MNPQC) is excited to offer the LINK ECHO Series as part of the Linking Identification & Navigation for Perinatal Mental Health & Substance Use Care (LINK) Initiative. This free, monthly virtual series is open to anyone statewide who is passionate about addressing the interconnected challenges of perinatal mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Why Join? – Gain insights from case presentations and interactive discussions – Explore evidence-based strategies for improving identification, referrals, care coordination, and support systems – Connect with a statewide network of peers dedicated to reducing stigma and fostering equitable, integrated care – Walk away with practical tools and shared insights to improve outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals and their families.
Audience: Open to anyone statewide who is passionate about improving care for perinatal mental health conditions (PMHC) and substance use disorders (SUDs).