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Dear Friends,

I hope that you and yours are healthy and safe as we welcome 2025. The new year promises to be an eventful year, possibly more than most at the College of Public Health, as we celebrate 15 years since the college was established, and look forward to an exciting future. Stay tuned for more information on our anniversary plans. I am thrilled to kick off the year with a special edition of our eNewsletter dedicated to one of CPH’s areas of excellence: the Community Health Worker training program.

Community health workers (CHWs) play a vital role in improving public health by bridging the gap between healthcare providers and underserved communities. They are known as patient navigators, health promoters, peer educators, outreach workers and more. They work in hospitals, health departments, non-profit organizations, schools. They help with vaccination campaigns, disease prevention, maternal and child health, and management of chronic disease. They assist in navigating healthcare systems, providing information about available resources, and supporting individuals in making healthier choices. Their roles and titles may vary, but their overarching goal is to improve health outcomes by empowering communities and promoting health equity. 

Since 2020, CPH has trained over 200 CHWs in Northeast Ohio and beyond, helping fill the shortage that affects Ohio and the United States. Recent data show CHW positions are projected to grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033, although at any given time there are approximately 7,000 unfilled positions throughout the U.S including around 500 in Ohio.

Accredited by the , and funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the HealthPath Foundation, the Â鶹ӰԺ State Community Health Worker training program has become a key center for CHWs instruction, certification, continuing education and, thanks to our extensive partnerships, for employment opportunities.

I am beyond grateful to all the dedicated individuals, agencies, organizations, and institutions who have supported the CHW training program over the years. Our collaboration has fostered a tremendous impact on our community, expanding the CHW workforce and advancing Ohio’s health and well-being. If you have any ideas for further partnerships, please feel free to contact me. Your service and generosity make our mission possible.

Yours in good health,

Sonia Alemagno

Dean, College of Public Health