Rural Arizona CHW Workforce Development Network (RAzCHOW)

Description

The Rural Arizona CHW Workforce Development Network (RAzCHOW) is made of a nonprofit statewide association, state advisory organization, Federally Qualified Health Centers, county health departments, a behavioral health organization, and nonprofit organizations. RAzCHOW has 14 member organizations — 12 of which are in rural communities — and works with university and state organizations to help community health workers (CHWs), community health representatives (CHRs), promotores de salud, and their employers address social drivers of health.

RAzCHOW received funding from a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Rural Health Network Development Planning grant and HRSA Rural Health Network Development grants.

Services offered

RAzCHOW provides:

• Assistance and education on the Arizona CHW Voluntary Certification
• CHW core competency training and other trainings
• CHW reimbursement tools and resources
• CHW supervisor and administrator training
• Education on CHW reimbursement and sustainability for organizations
• Help with developing CHW training programs
• Needs assessments
• Peer education and coaching
• Readiness self-assessment tool
• Site visits among network partners to learn best practices
• Technical assistance on how to start, build, or expand CHW programs

Results

RAzCHOW has reported increased network capacity, trainings for CHWs, and utilization of CHW services. RAzCHOW members have created a business plan, marketing plan, strategic plan, sustainability plan, and social media materials.

RAzCHOW has supported the CHR movement in Arizona's tribal communities and is expanding to other rural areas in the state.

Challenges

There are long travel distances and limited broadband access in these rural counties. RAzCHOW uses hybrid training models, asynchronous learning, and rotating in-person meetings.

Replication

RAzCHOW members have a virtual meeting every month and an in-person meeting every quarter. RAzCHOW's hybrid learning opportunities focus on strengthening the skills, sustainability, and systems integration of the rural CHW workforce through competency-based education, employer readiness, and rural-specific capacity building.

Contact Information