Unlocking the Door to Empowerment and Change: My Transformative Community Health Worker Training Experience with the NHC:CHF Program

Hi Everyone!

My name is Rahema, and this is my first year serving as a Digital Health Navigator with the National Health Corps: Community Health Fellowship (NHC: CHF) program in Greater Philadelphia. 

When I first applied to be in the program, I had limited knowledge about Community Health Workers (CHWs) and the work they do. However, I still really wanted to try this program out, expand my knowledge, and gain experience while doing something that helps people. Even though I needed a lot of training, I was still given the opportunity to join the National Health Corps and go through their training program. Since all members are trained as CHWs, I was able to go through CHW training at the start of my service term.

During the five weeks I spent training at Temple University's CHW training program, I had such an amazing experience. I met so many interesting individuals from completely different backgrounds. The classroom’s atmosphere was immaculate, everyone understood and respected each other, and it was a judgment-free zone, where people were able to get as vulnerable as they wanted. The stories that were told during my time there really sparked even more passion in me to try to help deconstruct structural oppression.  Three key takeaways that stuck with me were the importance of setting boundaries, navigating potentially dangerous situations, and using motivational interviewing to engage with clients and facilitate behavior change.

During my training, I learned that setting boundaries is a crucial aspect of maintaining healthy relationships, whether they are personal, professional, or romantic. By establishing clear boundaries, you communicate your needs, values, and limits to others, which helps create a sense of respect and understanding. Boundaries define what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior, ensuring that you are treated with dignity and that your well-being is prioritized. When boundaries are effectively set and respected, relationships can thrive and individuals can feel safe, respected, and valued.

I also learned that CHWs often face diverse and dynamic environments, requiring them to be equipped with skills and knowledge to navigate potentially dangerous situations. I learned that the key aspects of navigating these situations include staying aware of surroundings, recognizing potential threats, and having clear communication strategies to de-escalate conflicts. Additionally, understanding personal safety protocols, knowing how to seek help, and having access to support systems are crucial components of successfully navigating dangerous situations, ultimately ensuring the worker's safety and ability to continue serving their community effectively.

The final thing I learned that was helpful was motivational interviewing. It is a powerful technique used by CHWs to engage with clients, build trust, and facilitate behavior change. By employing this skill, health workers create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard and respected, encouraging them to share their thoughts and feelings. This approach enables health workers to understand clients' motivations, challenges, and goals, and empowers them to take ownership of their health decisions. It also enhances communication and problem-solving skills, leading to more effective interactions and increased success in health promotion and disease prevention efforts within the community.

In conclusion, while I had limited knowledge about CHWs and their work, I ended up having an amazing experience meeting individuals from diverse backgrounds and learning from trainers who covered a wide range of topics that helped me grow as an individual and professional in my role. If you are eager to learn and gain experience while making a difference in people's lives, the NHC: Community Health Fellowship Program may be a good option for you, too!