• July 18, 2024
• 12 p.m. PT / 1 p.m. MT / 2 p.m. CT / 3 p.m. ET

Speaker:

• Dr. Laura Nellums, University of New Mexico

Description:

This presentation will focus on migration and health. It will encompass:

• Drivers and patterns of migration
• Social determinants of health in the context of migration
• The interrelationship between immigration policy, health policy, migrant and public health outcomes
• Recommendations for how to advance health equity in migrant communities

Registration:

• Register here

Learn More:

• Visit the R4 Connections: A World on the Move: Global Health Equity in the Context of Migration for additional information.

Overview: This presentation covers mandatory reporting, focusing on child abuse, neglect, and the abuse and exploitation of at-risk elders and adults. It also addresses emergency procedures and the mandates for reporting threats to self, others, or entities.

Objectives:

• Define mandatory reporting and identify who must report and what situations require reporting.
• Understand relevant Colorado Revised Statutes for reporting child abuse, elder abuse, and threats to self or others.
• Define and identify signs of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, caretaker neglect, and exploitation.
• Understand the consequences of failing to report.
• Apply knowledge through case presentations and discussions.

Presenter: Ashley Charbonneau, LCSW, LAC, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Addiction Counselor with expertise in therapy for substance abuse, relationships, sexual behavior, and trauma. Founder of Enso Counseling.

Date: Aug 26, 10 am-1 pm

Certification: Eligible for 3 hours Certificate of Completion.

Dr. Patricia Valverde received an award May 16 for Faculty Excellence in Student Mentoring. (In this photo: Patricia Valverde, PhD, MPH; Dean of the Colorado School of Public Health Cathy Bradley, PhD) 

In academia, very few educators serve as a guiding light and spark for a student’s personal and professional growth. We celebrate Dr. Patricia Valverde as the 2024 recipient of the “Faculty Excellence in Student Mentoring” award. Dr. Valverde serves as the Director of the Patient Navigation and Community Health Worker Training Program (PNCT) and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado (CU) Anschutz Medical Campus. Dr. Valverde embodies compassion, enthusiasm, and care in her work, research, and interactions with her students. As one of Dr. Valverde’s mentees, I can personally attest to her unwavering commitment and advocacy to ensuring the success of her students. She consistently goes above and beyond to provide guidance, advice, and academic support in her mentorship.   

This summer, she will assume a new role at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) Greeley, leading the Master’s in Public Health Program. Her dedication and impact at the Colorado School of Public Health at CU Anschutz demonstrate her ability to bring the same level of commitment and influence to UNC. Congrats Dr. Valverde! We are incredibly proud and thrilled about your future endeavors. 

In this photo – family, staff, and students show up to support and cheer Dr. Valverde on! 

People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, or other diverse sexual orientations or gender identities (LGBTQ+) face barriers that make them less likely to get screened for colorectal cancer than the general population.

This newly updated brief describes this community’s unique barriers to colorectal cancer screening and outlines action steps to support colorectal cancer screening in LGBTQ+ communities. It is intended for community-based organizations, health systems, and other organizations to use to better understand and serve LGBTQ+ members of their community.

The ACS NCCRT would like to thank Paula Chambers Raney, Hope Coordinator, Fight Colorectal Cancer, and David Russo, founder, Cheeky Charity, both ACS NCCRT members, who generously offered their time and expertise to the development of this newly updated resource.

Click here to read more and download the brief

Click Here to Register

The Colorado Legislature passed Senate Bill 23-002 in May 2023, ushering in community health worker (CHW) services as a Health First Colorado benefit starting July 1, 2025. Seeking federal authorization from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) by July 1, 2024, HCPF is dedicated to adding CHW services as a covered benefit. The stakeholder feedback process is underway to gather input on meeting federal requirements for this significant addition.

Exciting news awaits as we share that all slides from the recent webinar series on Medicaid Reimbursement for Community Health Workers (CHWs) are now accessible on the HCPF CHW Webpage. Whether you joined the discussions live or couldn’t make it, these resources provide a recap of the insightful sessions.

Although the formal stakeholder process has wrapped up, they are still looking for valuable feedback until Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Share your thoughts:

• Feedback Form

In this role (15 openings in rural workforce centers, 4 in immigrant-serving organizations in Denver and Colorado Springs), you’ll work one-on-one during 60 minute appointments with up to four community members per work day.

Your goal is to help them get internet access at home and become proficient in using devices like smartphones, tablets, or computers. This support is crucial for accessing employment and education, banking, healthcare, government services, and communication through email and social media. Your efforts contribute to empowering individuals to independently handle tasks and access information digitally.

Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to communicate foundational digital literacy and skills concepts verbally in Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, French, Chinese (Mandarin and/or Cantonese), Nepali, Russian, Somali, and/or Vietnamese
1+ years paid or unpaid teaching, training and/or tutoring a diverse population of adults on using technology
Experience providing direct services to non-native English speakers, people with limited literacy skills, and/or people with disabilities who require accommodations for digital access
Experience assessing skills, identifying strengths and opportunities for growth, setting goals and monitoring progress

Click Here to Read More and Apply

Source: Colorado Department of Labor & Employment

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is beginning to use the term “community health worker” instead of “health navigators” in an effort to better align with other states and prepare for Medicaid reimbursement in the future. Those working in these roles may also be known as promotores de salud/promatora, patient navigator or resource navigator.

This change in terminology will not have any immediate impacts but you will begin to see changes to CDPHE web pages, newsletters, and other collateral as we transition to using community health workers as an umbrella term.

Because community health workers and health navigators offer similar skills and services to patients and employers, this transition to community health workers will not have an immediate impact on Coloradans who already work in these fields.

By adding community health workers to the current infrastructure, employers may be able to find more employees who match the qualifications they are seeking.

Resources: More information about Adopting Community Health Workers as an Umbrella Term for the Workforce in Colorado

To Read the Full Article Click Here

Credit: Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing

🌟 Ready to make a positive impact? Join our upcoming training session on Motivational Interviewing for Vaccine Hesitancy, exclusively designed for Colorado’s community health workers. Thanks to our partnership this course is offered for free! Secure your spot now and be a part of this empowering initiative.

Designed for community health workers, this training explores motivational interviewing strategies to engage individuals in open conversations about vaccination. Led by esteemed expert Kathleen Garrett, MA, this course equips participants with the skills to navigate vaccine hesitancy, fostering understanding and encouraging informed decisions. Join us in building a community of advocates who can drive positive change in public health. Through dynamic sessions enriched with roleplay activities, attendees will not just learn but actively practice strategies that engage individuals in meaningful, non-confrontational conversations about vaccination. Join us as we equip community health workers with the tools to navigate hesitancy, fostering understanding and driving positive change in public health.

📋 Fill out the interest form here and pave the way for change in your community! 🌐✨

As January unfolds, we turn our attention to an important health initiative—Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. This month serves as a dedicated platform to shed light on the prevention, early detection, and understanding of cervical cancer. Our goal is to increase awareness by providing valuable resources and links for women’s health. Discover essential information about screenings, HPV vaccination, and access reliable testing resources.

Resources and more information:

• CDC
• National Cervical Cancer Coalition
• CU Cancer Center

• February 7, 2024 (in-person)
• February 9, 2024  (in-person)
• February 10, 2024 (virtually)
• February 21, 2024 (virtually)

Spring dates will be announced after the winter session. To register for the assessment, individuals must have completed verified coursework from a state-recognized training program (Otero College, Patient Navigation and Community Health Worker Training (PNCT) , Metro State University at Denver, CU Multidisciplinary Center on Aging). Please complete the Colorado Health Navigator Registry Application to verify training prior to registration for the assessment. After completed training is verified, you will receive a link to register for the assessment. Registration must be completed 30 days prior to the date of the assessment.

PNCT will be offering FREE review sessions to help participants prepare for the state assessment.

11 am-1 pm Jan 24: Register Here
10 am-noon Feb 3: Register Here

Explore a diverse range of subjects in this extensive ‘Level 1’ training, covering the history and role of patient navigation, effective patient communication, health promotion, and professional conduct. Seize the chance to connect with fellow navigation professionals and broaden your network!

When 🗓️ 1/17/2024 – 3/13/2024
Join us for Live Learning Sessions 🕙 6 pm- 7 pm MT:

📆 January 17th – LLS 1 (Course Orientation)
📆 January 24th – LLS 2
📆 January 31st – LLS 3
📆 February 7th – LLS 4
📆 February 14th – No Class
📆 February 21st – LLS 5
📆 February 28th – LLS 6
📆 March 6th – LLS 7
📆 March 13th – LLS 8

Click Here to Register and Find out More

Discover Motivational Interviewing (MI): A patient-centered approach for fostering behavior change. Join our interactive online course to learn essential MI techniques—open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing. No prior MI experience needed!

When 🗓️ 1/16/2024 – 2/6/2024
Join us for Live Learning Sessions 🕙 10 am-11 am MT:

📅 January 16: LLS 1
📅 January 23: LLS 2
📅 January 30: LLS 3
📅 February 6: LLS 4

Click Here to Register and Find out More

To secure federal authorization from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) by July 1, 2024, the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) will actively engage in stakeholder consultations. These sessions aim to gather valuable insights on meeting federal requirements for the inclusion of CHW services. Learn more

Here’s a timeline of key events:

Stakeholder Webinar #1: Jan. 9 at 10 a.m.
Stakeholder Webinar #2: Jan. 23 at 10 a.m.
Draft proposal for federal authorization
Stakeholder Webinar #3: Feb. 13 at 10 a.m.
Stakeholder Webinar #4: Feb. 27 at 10 a.m.
Submission deadline to CMS: July 1, 2024
CMS approval, system updates, provider communications: 2024-2025
Benefit Go-Live: July 1, 2025

For those interested in participating in these crucial discussions, registration for the stakeholder meetings can be completed by clicking here

This initiative aims to empower healthcare professionals and community leaders with effective communication skills, addressing individual concerns and building trust in vaccinations. The funding not only underscores a commitment to health equity but also enables PNCT to bridge the gap between training and real-world vaccine communication practices.

PNCT’s mission is to create a healthier and more resilient society by fostering understanding and informed decision-making in communities across Colorado. This funding marks a significant step towards achieving this goal and reflects a collaborative effort to enhance community outreach in vaccine education.

For more information on our Vaccine Hesitancy trainings, please visit our registration form.

These trainings will be offered at no cost thanks to funding from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment – Health Equity Branch. These workshops will be offered through summer of 2024, with the first one happening Dec. 5 in Denver. Locations outside the metro area will be announced as they are scheduled.

Motivational Interviewing Skills for Vaccine Hesitancy
Date/time: Dec 5, 2023, 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Location: Daniels Fund, 101 Monroe Street, Denver, CO 80206

Click Here to Register and Find Out More

No prior MI knowledge is necessary. The training includes a free skills assessment and an opportunity to sign up for a one-on-one coaching session, delivered by an MI expert trainer.

Senate Bill 23-002 compels the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF), the state agency that administers Colorado’s Medicaid program, to reimburse for Community Health Worker services starting July 2025. This webinar will provide updates on the timeline, an opportunity to ask questions, and ways to get involved moving forward.

Time:

Sep 20, 2023 12:00 PM

With presentations from:

Dean Schillinger, MD, is a primary care physician, scientist, author, and public health advocate. Dr. Schillinger is an internationally recognized expert in health communication and has been widely recognized for his work related to improving the health of vulnerable populations.

New this year: optional writing workshop

Choose from our traditional breakout session track, or a new hands-on writing workshop to apply health literacy and plain language best practices to write content appropriate for your audience.

Date: Friday, October 20th, 2023

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Fees:

$50 registration fee includes all conference sessions, breakfast, lunch and snacks.

$25 registration fee for students and health navigators. This also includes all conference sessions, breakfast, lunch and snacks.

Location:

Embassy Suites Denver Central Park

4444 Havana St. Denver, CO 80239

Interested parties should email chaffeehousingauthority@chaffeecounty.org and include a cover letter and resume. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with first-round phone interviews being scheduled beginning July 21.

Click Here to Read Full Announcement

Level 2: Care Coordination (Summer 2023)
7/28/23 – 8/25/2023
Live Learning Sessions Fridays, 11:30 am-1 pm MT
Click Here to Register and Read More

This course focuses on the role of the health navigator in team-based care coordination. In this course, we will explore care coordination and related concepts, including their application to practice and commonly encountered challenges. You will be guided step-by-step to learn the basic skills and advanced strategies to enhance team-based care and client engagement for better health outcomes, patient safety, and workflow efficiency.

Motivational Interviewing: Intermediate Skills (Summer 2023)

8/2/2023 – 8/30/2023
Live Learning Sessions: 9 am – 10 am MT on Wednesdays

Click Here to Register & Read More

This course builds on the fundamental motivational interviewing concepts learned in Basic Motivational Interviewing. In this course, you will expand your skills related to using OARS (open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries). You will build confidence working with resistant clients and learn how to best integrate MI skills into your work setting.

This virtual course includes both online coursework (reading, videos, assignments) as well as weekly Live Learning Sessions via Zoom web conferencing. The live sessions will be highly interactive and include both large and small group practice.

Prerequisite: Basic Motivational Interviewing course and familiarity with OARS (open-ended questions, affirmations, reflections, and summaries)

Learning Objective

• Increase ease with using MI Core Skills – 4 Processes, MI Spirit, OARS
• Improve confidence noticing, evoking, and responding to Change Talk
• Increase skills working with resistance and resolving ambivalence
• Be able to share info and ideas using MI (Ask Permission: Elicit—Provide—Elicit)
• Apply MI techniques to your specific work setting

Level 1: Health Navigation Fundamentals Online Fall 2023

9/8/2023 – 10/27/2023
Live Learning Sessions: Fridays from 11am-Noon MT

Click Here to Register & Read More

Topics in this comprehensive “Level 1” training include patient navigation history and role, patient communication, health promotion, and professional conduct. Don‘t miss this opportunity to network with other navigation professionals!

This 8-week virtual course includes both online coursework (reading, quizzes, assignments) as well as Live Learning Sessions via Zoom web conferencing. Participants are expected to complete assignments each week prior to attending the live learning session. These interactive sessions allow participants to connect with fellow navigators and our expert instructors to apply the concepts to their daily work.