For Immediate Release: Monday, July 10, 2023

Montgomery County’s Latino Health Initiative Celebrates First Graduating Class of Community Health Worker Certification Program

The Latino Health Initiative (LHI), one of three minority health initiatives that are part of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), recently hosted its first-ever community health worker (CHW) certification program graduation. The group of 20 graduates was honored following completion of a rigorous six-month training program that included 100 hours of instruction and a 40-hour practicum.

LHI’s CHW certification program is the first and only certification program in Maryland that is offered by a county health and human services department. It also is the first CHW certification program in Montgomery County to be presented in English and Spanish. LHI developed a curriculum-based CHW training program in Spanish to build capacity within the community to improve the health and wellness of underserved communities.

“I am proud of the LHI for creating this important certification program tailored to the unique needs of our Latino community,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “We are honored to congratulate the first group of graduates whose new skills and knowledge will help inform, educate, navigate, and empower residents to access much needed County and community services and resources. The work carried out by this graduating class will create much needed change in reducing health disparities facing our Black and Brown communities.”

CHWs, also known as health promoters, play a vital role in informing and advocating for community members who face cultural and language barriers in accessing health care services. As trusted frontline health workers, CHWs reach many in the community who are uninsured or underinsured, or otherwise unconnected to health care resources.

Since 2000, DHHS has offered several health promoters' programs. However, CHW certification was initially not an option. Currently, there are 17 accredited CHW training programs throughout Maryland (including the LHI program). Visit the Maryland Department of Health’s website for a list of accredited CHW training programs in the State.

“As the first CHW training program in Montgomery County to be delivered in Spanish, LHI is not only addressing health disparities impacting the Latino community, but also tapping into unique community assets,” said Montgomery County Councilmember Gabe Albornoz, chair of the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee. “Increasing access to care for vulnerable families is a high priority of the County Council.”

LHI has trained health promoters and coordinated their health promoting interventions for more than 20 years. This training program represents a step forward in enhancing the community’s capacity to increase access to health care and social support services.

The training program curriculum is based on nine competencies required by Maryland to obtain certification. Participants learn about public health and health promotion theories and approaches within an interactive and participatory environment. Lessons are put into practice in classroom settings and through instructor-led experiences. Course activities connect concepts and theories with participants’ own experience and knowledge, promoting group discussion and encouraging critical thinking. 

“With everything we have learned in this training program, it not only opens doors for us to explore new professional opportunities, but it also gives us the skills and confidence to better serve the community,” said graduate Sabina Orellana. “We embrace this responsibility with dignity, respect and renewed dedication.”

LHI’s CHW training program is free to County residents. The next training group is planned for Fall 2023. For more information, visit the LHI website or email Gianina.Hasbun@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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Media contact:  Mariana Serrani, mariana.serrani@montgomerycountymd.gov