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Available Support 

The Alliance is available to support local, regional and state population health organizations and initiatives by providing nationally recognized experts in the following areas:

• Research and Quality Improvement: Informatics and data analytics, original population research, evidence-based strategies, program development, and program evaluation
• Health Education and Workforce Development: Job training, continuing education and enhanced access to certification programs and degrees, and support for economic development projects that increase health care access
• Policy Analysis and Development: Evaluation of existing health policies, laws, and rules as well as reference to national evidence-based policies and creation of new policy initiatives
• Capacity Building: Community health planning, strategic and business planning, and coalition development training and maintenance

Project Teams

The Alliance tackles specific challenges by building a uniquely equipped team for each specific problem. We provide teams that consist of:

• Nationally recognized researchers who will survey the population, analyze data from multiple datasets, interpret and present the results 
• Experts who will develop evidence-based strategies and evaluate effectiveness 
• Experienced strategic planners who will develop community health assessments and community health improvement plans as well as support local accreditation efforts 
• Accomplished educators who will train and educate the population health workforce 
• Advocates who will plan and build support for grants and local health-focused economic development projects to improve access to quality healthcare

Training Resources

Introduction to Appalachian Health

Developing Cultural Competency and Humility

This series of training modules focuses on understanding the challenges practitioners, and other community members who provide health services, may face when working with rural and Appalachian residents. The recorded presentations emphasize the historical context of the region, and how it contributes to the Appalachian culture, as well as methods for understanding practitioners’ own bias towards rural and Appalachian cultures.

The goal is for those working in the community to see how their own background may contribute to barriers to service.

Helpful digital and print-friendly resource guides are also available to read and watch content on your own according to what you feel is most relevant.

Module 1: Overview & Defining Appalachia

Synopsis: Defining Appalachia has not always been an easy task. Many would argue about the appropriate definition of the region and the reasoning for making it so. Some would argue that there is no clear definition of the region and that using any of the conventional means is underselling the complexity of such a large region.

Module Objectives:

• Describe why the Appalachian region is difficult to define
• Learn the Appalachian Regional Commission's definition of Appalachia
• Discuss health disparities in rural areas
• Identify the reasons for increased strategies to reduce HCV/HIV rates

Module 2: History, Culture & Stereotypes

Synopsis: Appalachia has a long and varied history that cannot be recounted in full detail in this resource guide. However, it is important that those seeking to understand Appalachian people have some understanding of Appalachian history.

Module Objectives:

• Explain how past historical events may contribute to current cultural characteristics
• Identify Appalachian stereotypes and understand why they are harmful
• Examine how cultural traits may impact interaction with Appalachian people

Module 3: Barriers to Service - Cultural Competence & Humility

Synopsis: Common reasons why Appalachian people experience barriers to care can essentially be broken down into three main areas: Financial, Logistical, and Cultural.

Module Objectives:

• List barriers that prevent Appalachian people from seeking health care and public services
• Explain cultural competency and humility
• Define the importance of developing cultural competency and humility

Helpful Resources

• Introduction to Appalachian Health Resource Guide (digital)
• Introduction to Appalachian Health Resource Guide (print)

Community Health Worker Training Program

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are trusted individuals who improve health within their own communities. They provide health services, increase access to care, and advocate for individuals and populations by serving as a voice among health care providers. CHWs foster communities to achieve health, equity, and social justice. They are able to represent their community members and describe the health, social, economic, political, and cultural issues that they face with authenticity and lived experience. This unique model not only builds trust with the people served, but also improves health outcomes. In Appalachian counties where access to health care services is limited and social determinants of health create additional barriers, CHWs are bridging the gap between community members and the services they need to live healthy lives.

More Information about Community Health Worker Training

Case Manager Certification Training

In collaboration with ProMedica and the University of Toledo, 51ÉçÇø College of Health Sciences and Professions and The Alliance have developed a five-course series to prepare prospective Case Managers for the Case Manager Certification Exam.

Subject matter experts developed relevant content related to each aspect of case management. Each course offers continuing education and certification preparation opportunities for nurses, social workers and licensed counselors.

Contact

Michal Plavsa, Director of Professional Programs and Partnerships, searls@ohio.edu