Hi everyone,
Many of you know that this newsletter began with my work in Rhode to Equity and initially served as a weekly resource newsletter for the Rhode to Equity teams. It now covers various topics, primarily aimed at helping you build your toolkit and stay informed while sharing opportunities for you to make your voices heard.
In the coming year, I will begin transitioning out of this role. I want to emphasize the importance of continuing our connection and communication, as that is where real change begins. We all need to take action, but it’s not solely our responsibility! Together, we can achieve meaningful change. 
Please make sure to sign up for the CHWARI, RIDOH CHW Program, and NACHW newsletters to stay updated.
Stay Connected by signing up here.
What began with 18 CHWs and teams has now grown to over 170 CHWs and allies. Woohoo!! 
Have you heard about…?
- Our wonderful partner, Mitchelle Abuna at RIDOH, many of you may know from previous focus groups and coding opportunities, is conducting a Community Resources Mapping Survey. We encourage you to take 5-10 minutes to complete this survey. Your participation will help Mitchelle gather data to better understand the distribution, qualifications, and focus areas of CHWs across the state. Thank you for your support! click here.
- The Olmstead Act is coming to RI and they need our input from those living with disabilities, those who work with people with disabilities, caregivers, family, friends, etc. The two upcoming listening sessions for Olmstead will be held 1/3 and 1/7. See the attached PDFs to share with the community.
- $50 stipend available!
- These sessions will serve as a chance to speak about what is working and what is not working in this state for people living with disabilities.
- To reserve a seat for these in-person sessions, register at www.oscil.org/olmstead or call 401-738-1013.
- Brown University is also holding an in-person session 1/7 and a virtual session on 1/8 5-6:30pm
- The RI Public Health Association and RIDOH are collaborating on a new data-informed initiative focused on immunizations. This project aims to create community reports based on data to guide and support health promotion efforts, public health messaging, and related initiatives.
- They are seeking 10-12 participants and aim to start with focus groups in early January via 2-hour Zoom sessions.
- Compensation of $50 per hour for each participant
- Currently seeking participants for 3 focus groups in Providence, Block Island, and in the Tribal Community.
- What to expect: Discussions on experiences related to accessing and receiving vaccines, barriers faced, and ideas for developing and implementing health promotion materials for immunization
- For more information contact Paola Henderson at Phenderson@carelinkri.org
- The RIPIN Family Voices team is reevaluating their English Support Groups to better understand the needs of English-speaking parents and caregivers of a child with special health care needs . Please take a moment to share this survey with others to provide feedback that can help shape future support opportunities. Survey here.
- Governor McKee and HealthSourceRI announce new flexibilities in place to help RI’ers stay connected to coverage for 2025 while they navigate the breach.
- The open enrollment deadline will be extended through 2/28/25
- More information on HSRI can be found here.
Advocacy & Legislation
- New Advocacy Skills Series video on how to submit effective public comments. Watch the 8-minute video here.
- 01/01/25 webinar: Breaking down barriers: How new policies drive better health outcomes – Learn more and register here.
- 01/08/25 Hybrid Climate Action Meeting: Join Audubon Society of Rhode Island to come together with local advocates to take action immediately to address climate change. Learn more and register here.
- 01/13/25: Storytelling for Environmental Advocacy: Learn how to convey our concerns about climate change and workshop our stories to advocate for solutions. Learn more and register here.
- 01/15/25 via Zoon 1pm: Making the Case For Housing as Healthcare – A fireside chat
- 01/22/25 via Zoom: Public Policy 101 – English session 10-11:30 am, Spanish session 12:20-2 am
- National CHW Policy Group Meeting Notes and registration links
Professional Development, Opportunities, Resources
- Resources on Maternal Health – Maternal Health Awareness Day tools – Maternal Health Awareness Day is January 23, 2025. This year’s theme is Know What’s at Stake.
- 1/13/25 at 1pm via Zoom: How Social Workers and CHWS Collaborate Effectively to Advance Health Equity
- 1/23/25 at 2pm via Zoom: Enhancing Oral Health Care Access with CHWs
- Participants must register and attend using their own unique Zoom link to receive educational credits.. Please us the hyperlink above to register.
- RIAIMH’s Community Conversation Series for 2025 is scheduled! The first 2 sessions on 1/28 and 2/25 (8:30-10:30) focused on immigration trauma and Infant/early childhood mental health. Register on www.riaimh.org
- Improving Child Health Jan 9 Early Childhood Café 1/9/25 at 7:30am – Register here.
- Community Commons Most Popular Content of 2024
- Including People with Lived Experience – Thoughtfully
Community Resources, Opportunities, & Events
- See the attached “Know Your Rights Immigration” PDFs
- RIDOH Family Visiting is recruiting for their 2025 Family Visiting Parent/Caregiver Advisory Council – see attached PDF for flyer in English and Spanish
- Families receive $40 gift cards for attending each monthly session and they ask for 1-2 year commitment.
- Meetings are virtual 5:30 – 7pm via Zoom and are a mix of providing input on services impacting pregnant people and families with young children.
- Current families and recent graduates of Early Head Start, Early Intervention, First Connections, Healthy Families of America, Nurse-Family Partnership, and Parents as Teachers are welcome to join!
- Volunteer Opportunities for kids and adults at Roger Williams Park and Zoo. Learn more here.
- Free Family events
- 1/22/25: Spanish-Speaking RIPIN Support Group – 12:30-1:30 or 6-7pm. Register here.
Self-Care
- Teaching Mindfulness to Kids
- Mindless Habits That Are Secretly Exhausting You & How To Adjust
- 10-Minute Meditation Practice for Intention-Setting
Articles + Videos + Podcasts
Happy New Year!
Swanette
Swanette Salazar CCHW
Lead Community Health Worker – First Connections Program Lead Community Health Worker Consultant – Rhode 2 Equity(CTC-RI)