Building the Workforce and a Holistic Approach to Training: How Health Impact Ohio’s CHW Certification Training Program Supports More Than Just Certification

By: Dr. Tanikka Price, Chief Education Officer, Health Impact Ohio & Heidi Welch, Chief of Strategic Engagement & Operations, Health Impact Ohio

Community Health Workers (CHWs) often enter the field driven by lived experience and a deep passion for helping others. Many bring with them high Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) scores or personal histories of trauma. These experiences can fuel a level of empathy, commitment, and determination that no textbook or training program could ever teach. But they can also bring challenges—sometimes showing up as procrastination, emotional triggers, or moments of feeling stuck on the job.

At Health Impact Ohio, preparing the next generation of CHWs means more than simply delivering coursework—it means caring for the whole person. Since its launch in 2020, the Health Impact Ohio CHW Certification Training Program has empowered trusted community members to gain the skills and credentials they need to make a lasting impact in their neighborhoods. Offered virtually over 12 weeks, with a required practicum, the program equips participants with the tools to address health disparities, connect individuals to care, and promote improved health outcomes across Ohio.

But the path to becoming a CHW is often deeply personal. Many participants bring lived experiences with trauma, mental health challenges, or complex life events into the learning space. That’s why Health Impact Ohio has partnered with a licensed mental health provider, Dr. Janell Jones to offer confidential, personalized support to participants throughout their certification journey.

This integrated mental health support has already made a meaningful difference. Some participants have used the service after being emotionally triggered by course topics that touch on issues they or their loved ones have experienced—such as substance use, domestic violence, or health loss. Others have leaned on the service following a personal loss, unexpected crisis, or during major life transitions. Even those navigating challenges like ADHD or executive functioning struggles have received practical, compassionate guidance to stay on track and complete the course successfully.

This whole-person approach reflects the program’s belief that CHWs must first be supported as individuals to thrive in service to others. By normalizing access to mental health care and embedding it directly into the certification process, Health Impact Ohio is setting a new standard for how we train, support, and uplift the community-based workforce our public health system depends on.

Watch Dr. Janell Jones’ Ted Talk here.