Two-day gathering will celebrate Ohio's Community Health Worker workforce, explore emerging health challenges, and inspire new approaches to building healthier communities.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Next week, nearly 600 Community Health Workers (CHWs), healthcare professionals, community leaders, advocates, and partners from across Ohio will gather in Columbus for the 2026 Ohio Statewide Community Health Worker Conference, taking place November 5–6 at the Hilton Columbus at Easton.
Under this year's theme, "Meeting the Moment: Ohio CHWs Shaping the Future of Healthy Communities," the conference will recognize CHWs' vital contributions while creating opportunities for learning, collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.
Health Impact Ohio (HIO), alongside its conference planning partners, is proud to welcome attendees for two days of inspiring keynote presentations, engaging breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and celebrations of the individuals working every day to improve Ohioans' health and well-being. Conference planning partners include Ohio University, Health Workforce Ohio, the Ohio CHW Association, the Ohio State University College of Nursing, Cuyahoga County Community College, and the Ohio Center for CHW Excellence.
Meeting the Moment: Building the Future of Community Health
As Ohio's healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the role of Community Health Workers has never been more important. CHWs serve as trusted connections between communities and healthcare systems, helping individuals overcome barriers to care, navigate resources, and address the social and economic factors that influence health.
The 2026 conference will explore both the challenges and opportunities facing this growing workforce, with sessions designed to provide practical tools, elevate community voices, and encourage innovative thinking.
Attendees will engage in discussions and workshops addressing a wide range of topics, including:
Rural and Appalachian health: Addressing disparities in rural communities, improving maternal health access, and understanding the unique challenges facing Appalachian Ohio.
Emerging technology and innovation: Exploring the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence in public health and how CHWs can leverage technology to strengthen their work.
Behavioral health and well-being: Recognizing hidden distress, building trust, improving access to behavioral health services, and supporting individuals through complex challenges.
Maternal and infant health: Strengthening connections to care and addressing social needs that influence the health of mothers, babies, and families.
CHW workforce development: Examining certification, professional advancement, credentialing, and opportunities to strengthen and sustain the CHW profession.
Community engagement and health equity: Building authentic partnerships, strengthening culturally responsive services, and ensuring community voices shape the programs and systems designed to serve them.
Through these conversations, participants will have opportunities to learn from one another, share successful approaches, and strengthen the relationships that make community-based healthcare possible.
Two Keynote Speakers Bringing Fresh Perspectives
This year's conference will feature two dynamic keynote speakers whose work challenges conventional thinking about community connection, inclusion, and the role individuals can play in creating healthier communities.
Dr. Jeremy Holloway — Thursday, November 5
Dr. Jeremy Holloway, founder and director of Tellegacy, is a professor, health equity trainer, and advocate for intergenerational connection and healthy aging.
His work explores the powerful relationship between social connection, health, and well-being, emphasizing the importance of addressing social determinants of health and strengthening relationships across generations.
Dr. Holloway will help set the tone for the conference by encouraging attendees to think more deeply about the human connections that drive meaningful improvements in health.
Patty Mitchell — Friday, November 6
Patty Mitchell, founder and executive director of Passion Works Studio and creative director of Creative Abundance Consulting, brings an inspiring perspective on creativity, inclusion, and the power of community.
An artist and social entrepreneur, Mitchell is known for creating opportunities for artists with and without developmental differences to collaborate, contribute, and thrive.
Her work shows how creativity, belonging, and recognizing each person's strengths can transform communities.
Mitchell's keynote will invite conference participants to consider new ways to approach challenges, embrace diverse perspectives, and recognize the incredible potential that exists within every community.
Elevating Community Voices and Celebrating the CHW Workforce
Beyond keynote presentations and breakout sessions, the conference will create meaningful opportunities for participants to connect with colleagues and leaders from across the state.
A featured Thursday lunch panel, "The Power of Place: Rural and Appalachian Voices on Health, Trust, and Access," will bring together individuals with firsthand experience navigating the unique opportunities and challenges of rural community health.
Friday's lunch plenary, "Beyond Certification: Merging Your Passion with Your Profession," will explore how CHWs can turn their passion for helping others into meaningful and sustainable career opportunities.
The conference will also celebrate the next generation of CHWs with a graduation ceremony recognizing participants completing HIO's CHW Certification Training Program.
Thursday evening will feature a special gala and awards celebration, providing an opportunity to recognize achievements, strengthen connections, and honor the individuals advancing community health throughout Ohio.
Stronger Together
For Health Impact Ohio, the annual statewide gathering is more than a traditional professional conference. It is an opportunity to celebrate a workforce built on trust, compassion, lived experience, and an unwavering commitment to the communities it serves.
CHWs are helping transform how Ohio approaches healthcare by building bridges between systems and communities, advocating for individuals and families, and ensuring that people are connected to the resources and support they need to thrive.
As nearly 600 attendees prepare to gather in Columbus, this year's conference message is clear: Ohio's Community Health Workers are not simply responding to the future of community health. They are helping shape it.
Health Impact Ohio looks forward to welcoming attendees, speakers, sponsors, and community partners for two exciting days of learning, connection, and celebration.