Initiative recognized as Program of Excellence by University Outreach and Engagement

The Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Program, an initiative within The Ohio State University College of Nursing that has grown into one of the largest programs of its kind in Ohio, received the designation of 2024 Program of Excellence in Engaged Scholarship this month from the university’s Office of Outreach and Engagement.

Advocate, connector, advisor, liaison, promotor, navigator, public health and outreach worker. These are common titles for Community Health Workers (CHW), members of the health care team serving as trusted community members to improve access to care and healthcare outcomes. CHWs focus on factors that influence health such as access to healthy food, employment, housing and environmental safety so they can work to remove barriers and help those they serve achieve optimal health.

The Franklin County commissioners approved more than $1 million Tuesday for crib distributions, health-care efforts and tobacco cessation programs, all aimed at reducing infant-mortality rates.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – On Friday, September 28, The Ohio State University College of Nursing announced new funding for the Community Health Worker Training Program. The Franklin County commissioners will provide $180,000 of funding for three cohorts of trainees, totaling 75 newly trained community health workers. In collaboration with CelebrateOne, many community health workers will be hired to help combat the area’s high infant mortality rate.