Peer Specialist

Gateway Healthcare
Charlestown, RI
Full-time
2 years sobriety

Summary:

The Peer Recovery Specialist provides peer support and care coordination services to adults who have behavioral health needs (mental and substance use disorders. They are a member of a multi-disciplinary team designed to provide outreach engagement and system support. The function of the Peer Recovery Specialist is to serve as a role model mentor advocate and motivator to clients sharing their personal experiences to help motivate to seek treatment prevent relapse and promote long-term recovery.

Responsibilities:

Works with general outpatient and substance use disorder clients as assigned to support adults in their mental health and substance use challenges.

Provides opportunities for individuals receiving services to direct their own recovery process.

Coaches and supports the acquisition and use of skills needed to facilitate individual recovery.

Assists clients in identifying their personal strengths abilities and needs and articulating personal recovery goals and advocating for themselves during treatment.

Promotes the identification and use of natural resources and support systems within the community accompanying them to assist is accessing services.

Facilitates the development of a sense of wellness self-worth and personal control over one�s life and recovery journey.

Acts as a role model to clients in recovery to inspire hope; share life experiences and lessons learned as a person with lived experience.

Models/mentors recovery process and demonstrate coping skills.

Assists in the orientation process for persons who are new to receiving mental health and/or co-occurring treatment.

Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and competence in trauma informed care as relevant to the needs of individuals in recovery.

Supports the individual in seeking to connect/reconnect with family friends and significant others and in learning how to improve or eliminate unhealthy relationships.

Co-facilitates meetings to nurture a peer support culture.

As requested by client fosters spiritual connections with faith-based organizations and/or participation in self-help and mutual support groups.

Adheres to the policies and procedures for recovery-oriented treatment.

Participates in supervision team conferencing department and agency meetings.

Maintains detailed accurate and timely documentation in medical record.

Follows agency policies and standards for client rights and confidentiality.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Other information:

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Individual who is in personal recovery from a mental health and/or substance use condition and has used services related to that recover.

High school diploma or GED

Ability to complete certification as a peer recovery specialist.

Maintained at least 2 years of sobriety or absence of drug use.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Be self-identified current or former user of mental health or co-occurring services who can relate to others who have not utilized those services.

Communication with supervisor to identify potential situations/concerns.

Have demonstrated proficiency in reading and writing.

Attended trainings on relevant topics such as behavioral health substance use and chronic health conditions.

JOB KNOWLEDGE SKILL AND ABILITY:

Valid driver’s license and use of car during normal working hours or other means of transportation to complete major functions of job.

Ability to establish trusting relationships with peers.

Ability to work independently and also as an integral part of multidisciplinary team.

Be able to recognize early triggers and signs of relapse. Be able to use computer to record services or be willing to learn.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.

Brown University Health is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age ethnicity sexual orientation ancestry genetics gender identity or expression disability protected veteran or marital status.   Brown University Health is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Location: GHI-Charlestown-4705 Old Post Road USA:RI:Charlestown

Community Health Worker

Brown University Health
Full-time
CHW Certification & Bilingual Preferred

Summary:

The Community Health Worker (CHW) provides navigational case management and home/community-based services to members of the community.

A Community Health Worker is �a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the CHW to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. A CHW also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach community education informal counseling social support and advocacy.� (APHA CHW Section)

Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Under general supervision the CHW is responsible for performing the following essential job functions:

Recruits patients by conducting outreach activities in the community.

Builds trust with patients and community members in order to provide support empowerment education and case management services.

Advises patients and others regarding health care and other community services available to them; assists patients in utilizing services; makes follow-up contacts when required.

Conducts periodic assessments of health behaviors such as patient�s physical activity dietary habits cigarette smoking habits; social factors such as housing and employment status; and social and economic resources.

Educates clients with chronic illness about evidence-based standards of care and self-management of their chronic illness.

Educates patients about the health care system appropriate sites of care and self-navigation all in an effort to help the patient build skills to become self-sufficient and manage their health independently.

Documents work with patients through appropriate record keeping that follows the clinic�s policies and procedures; assists with gathering data relevant to program evaluation as appropriate.

Operates effectively in a multi-disciplinary clinical setting which may include participating regularly in clinic program meetings and attending patient medical visits upon request.

Participates in team meetings and assists as needed in any activities related to the clinic or the Brown University Health Community Health Institute.

Serves as liaison between the professional staff and the community; including developing relationships with various stakeholders in the community.

May transport ambulatory patients between their homes and clinics hospitals or other social agencies and meet with patients at home in the hospital or in community settings.

Attends ongoing training for community health workers.

Practices clear effective consistent communication with clients and colleagues.

Demonstrate privacy and confidentiality meeting all related training and practice requirements of the Brown University Health system.

Works nights and weekends as required.

Other duties as assigned.

Other information:

QUALIFICATIONS – EXPERIENCE:

Two (2) years of verifiable experience providing information education intervention and/or referral services to culturally diverse populations. Recent experience (last 5 years) working as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a health care setting preferred.

Community Health Worker certification in Rhode Island preferred.

Experience with motivational interviewing advising/counseling clients and/or participating in health promotion and health education activities.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Excellent organization thorough record-keeping follow through and ability to juggle multiple priorities in fast-paced environment with multiple collaborators.

Demonstrated excellent attendance and reliability.

Prior experience using an electronic health record preferred.

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Community Health Worker SDOH

Brown Health Medical Group/ Bradley Hospital
North Dartmouth, MA
Full-time

Apply

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the program Social Worker the Community Health Worker is a trusted member of the multi-disciplinary care management team who facilities the care of individuals with substance uses disorders (SUD) and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) needs post Emergency Department discharge to promote adherence to key components of their health care. The community health worker engages patients creates a trusting relationship assists patients in navigating the health care system makes patient visits in the home community Emergency Department hospital or other setting sets health goals and closely communicates with providers and care team members.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Outreach and Engagement: CHWs conduct outreach activities such as home visits to connect with community members and assess their needs. 
  • Care Coordination: They help individuals navigate complex healthcare and social service systems coordinating care among different providers. 
  • Resource Linkage: CHWs connect individuals with resources like housing food transportation financial assistance and other social services. 
  • Health Education and Promotion: They provide culturally appropriate health information and education on topics like disease prevention healthy lifestyles and self-management of chronic conditions. 
  • Advocacy: CHWs advocate for the needs of individuals and the community ensuring they have access to needed services and resources. 
  • Building Trust: CHWs build strong relationships within the community fostering trust and understanding. 
  • Providing Support: They offer informal counseling social support and coaching to help individuals adopt healthy behaviors and manage their health. 
  • Community Education: CHWs organize and facilitate community events workshops and support groups to promote health and well-being. 
  • Data Collection: They collect data on health concerns and needs within the community reporting findings to healthcare providers and public health officials. 
  • Health Screenings: CHWs may conduct basic health screenings like blood pressure checks and refer individuals for further testing or treatment. 
  • Interpretation and Translation: CHWs may provide interpretation and translation services to facilitate communication between healthcare providers and patients. 
  • Advocacy within the Healthcare System: They advocate for policies and systems changes that improve health equity and access to care. 
  • Documentation and Reporting: CHWs maintain accurate records of their interactions with individuals and communities reporting on their activities and outcomes. 
  • Provides community health worker services to high-risk patients that have substance use disorders (SUD) and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) needs
  • Initiates face to face contact with high-risk patients in the Emergency Department hospital community or home (via EMS visit and/or standalone visit) and conducts telephonic outreach on an as needed basis
  • Reviews eligibility screening psychosocial assessment and patient centered care plan developed by the Social Worker and adheres to treatment recommendations of the SW
  • Works with the patient family/caregiver provider and other care team members such as Physician Social Worker community-based NP/PA MAT Provider as appropriate local EMS PCP BH Providers etc. to set goals for patient�s care identify any barriers to care and motivate patients to achieve those goals.
  • Teaches key educational messages in person and over the phone and utilizes teach back methods to measure and ensure patients understanding
  • Clearly documents all activities in the patient record
  • Records and monitors the participants� progress toward goals within specific timeframes
  • Assists patients with organizing their records making follow-up appointments and filling their prescriptions.
  • Helps patients fill out applications for example for Medical Assistance and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
  • Provides advocacy patient education and support in accessing community-based and hospital-based programs
  • Refers to internal or external services when appropriate
  • Maintain regular communication with the patient
  • Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and respect for the patient
  • Prepares reports and documents as needed or requested
  • Follows standards of work and consistently maintains department established caseloads and timeframes for case completion. Participates in the refinement of and development of new standards of work.
  • Meets regularly 1:1 with the Director of Behavioral Health to review caseload and discuss barriers/challenges and review performance compared to current targets/expectations.
  • Documents and reports all quality and patient safety events by recording and adhering to all of Brown University Health�s safety reporting guidelines.
  • Performs all job functions in compliance with applicable federal state local and company policies and procedures.
  • Ability to travel to attend meetings with patients PCPs and other members of the care team
  • Attend staff meetings and education offerings both in person and via teleconference as required.
  • CHW is considered a resource expert in the assigned community/region
  • Performs other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Minimum of 3 years healthcare public health or community-based experience
  • Current unrestricted Driver�s License
  • MS Office Suite
  • Possess basic knowledge of healthcare system and resources available in their geographical region
  • Experience working with disadvantaged populations SU populations and those impacted by social service needs
  • Understanding of language culture and socioeconomic circumstances and desire to work with diverse population. Knowledge of the impact of culture on health illness health practices health beliefs access to care and participation in treatment and services. Demonstrated oral and written communication skills and is comfortable working with individuals from cultural and linguistically different backgrounds who face barriers in obtaining care and support services.
  • Ability to serve on a multi-disciplinary care team and update team members on important clinical important and/or barriers to patient reaching health care goals
  • Understanding of how to advocate and work with patients so that he/she is in the best position to determine what they want and need promoting the persons� right and capacity to make decisions themselves as well as encouraging and teaching patient self-confidence that will enable them to become self-advocates
  • Knowledge of key principles of working with patients with disabilities � self-determination self-advocacy and person/ family centered individual planning that allow persons with disabilities to live in the safest and least restrictive community-based setting.
  • Understanding and respect for disability culture and barriers that prevent individuals from receiving appropriate and quality care. Dependable and responsible. Open minded committed and respectful of our members with chronic/complex illness and or disabilities.
  • Highly motivated and capable of self-directed
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills of foremost importance to interact with families and patients.
  • Exceptional organizational skills: ability to multi-task and work independently and as part of a team
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize multitask and work in a rapidly changing environment with multiple demands.
  • Ability to utilize tools for the effective documentation of the care management process.

EDUCATION:

High school diploma required. Bachelor�s degree preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND MENTAL DEMANDS

A combination of physical and mental abilities to effectively serve their communities. Physically they need to be able to stand for extended periods navigate diverse environments and potentially lift or carry light objects. Mentally strong communication empathy and problem-solving skills are crucial for building trust and facilitating access to healthcare and social services.

Brown University Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age ethnicity sexual orientation ancestry genetics gender identity or expression disability protected veteran or marital status. Brown University Health is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Location: BHMG-North Dartmouth-531 Faunce Comer Rd USA: MA: North Dartmouth

Work Type: Full Time

Who Needs Training Hours?

We know many CHWs are working hard to get the training/education hours they need for certification and re-certification. A reminder – many documented, professionally-led trainings in any of the CHW domains would ‘count’  towards the 70 hours needed for CHW certification or the 20 hours required for re-certification (which must include 3 hours in professional ethics education).

Detailed education requirements are found on page 2 of the RICB CCHW application, including things like you cannot count the same training twice. 

We list trainings on our website when time permits, and share them in this newsletter.  We have gathered a few upcoming ones below.  Those hours add up!  It is very possible to get to 70 hours by October!

Scheduled: 

Online, Self-Paced:

New England Public Health Training Center offers MANY appropriate trainings, ranging from 45 minutes to multiple hours.  They have a page devoted to CHW trainings here – but do browse their other self-paced offerings here!!!  

Patient Navigation Community Health Worker Training offers a 15 short courses in English And seven courses in Spanish including: 
Motivational Interviewing for Vaccine Hesitancy – 1 hour
Cultural Navigation- 1 hour

American Diabetes Association-Many courses including one specifically for CHWs – 1 hour

Envision lists links to many organization’s trainings on their website here.

Ethics:

Introduction to Ethics for CHWs– NEPHTC- 1 hour
Ethical Guidelines for Community Health Workers – PNCT – 20 min 

Announcing CHWARI’s Advisory Council!



The Community Health Worker Assocition of RI (CHWARI) is excited to announce our newly appointed Advisory Council!  These devoted and informed advocates will shape and direct the future of CHWARI for the next two years.

For years the CHWARI worked under an Executive Director model and we are grateful for Dr. Sarah Lawrence and the energy and passion she brought to that role.  She was a fierce advocate for more CHW voices at the decision-making table.  To that end, in 2024 she began the process of forming an Advisory Council to govern and direct CHWARI.  We are proud to announce this robust group of devoted and informed advocates. 

As CHWARI approaches the end of the CCR-19 grant, sustainability is a big concern.  As many smaller organizations must curtail their programming, by being part of the robust environment of RIC’s Institute for Education in Healthcare, CHWARI will continue uninterrupted.  IEH is committed to supporting CHWARI with a continued focus on our commitments to CHW: training, networking, communications, and advocacy.

The launching of the CHWARI Advisory Council reflects an intentional evolution of CHWARI and the importance of CHWs’ leadership within the Association, which has been part of the plan for CHWARI since it moved to RI College in 2018. Our choice to move from an Executive Director model to an Advisory Council allows multiple CHWs to make decisions on how the organization moves forward including: recommending what trainings should be offered and how staffing should be managed.  Rather than one talented individual making decisions, we now have seven. 

Change can feel uncomfortable.  In reassurance, we remind you that in the last six months, CHWARI has offered more certification and re-certification application workshops in English and Spanish than ever before, including offering one-on-one portfolio coaching.  We have collaborated with partners to advertise more core training opportunities than in previous years, even if we were not the training provider. In partnership with IEH, CHWARI has been able to provide Core training to close to 500 individuals in the last 3 years, where over 200 entered CHW apprenticeships with support for becoming certified CHWs. Twenty five apprentices have already become certified in 2025 with our help.  And all while the sky has been falling… Our hope is that with the informed guidance of the Advisory Council we continue to serve you even better in the decades to come!   

Meet the Advisory Council here! Refresh your memory of the current CHWARI Team here.

In Community!
The Community Health Worker Association of RI

Case Manager CCHW

House Of Codec
Providence, RI (On-site at Haus of Codec and in the field)
Part-Time (20–25 hours/week), $24.75/hour
CCHW Required
Bilingual Spanish Required

About Haus of Codec

Haus of Codec is a mission-driven organization working to end transition-aged youth homelessness in Providence through housing, arts, and workforce development. We prioritize support for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC youth, providing safe housing, creative outlets, and holistic care.

Position Summary

Part-Time Case Manager with a Community Health Worker certification (CCHW) is a key support role focused on improving the wellbeing of transition-aged youth participating in Haus of Codec’s Rapid ReHousing program (RRH). This position combines traditional case management with a public health lens, helping clients navigate healthcare, housing, and social services while also promoting safe and healthy living conditions.

You’ll work closely with clients who live in their own apartments to set and achieve health and wellness goals, connect them to services, and build community through outreach and engagement. A major part of this role includes conducting direct outreach and being a familiar, trusted presence at community sites and events.

Key Responsibilities

Case Management & Client Support

  • Conduct intakes and develop individualized service plans
  • Assist clients with housing navigation, job search, education, and public benefits
  • Support access to primary care, behavioral health, and other community services
  • Document progress and maintain case files using internal systems
  • Participate in regular check-ins and care coordination meetings
  • Attend apartment viewings and provide logistical support when needed

Health & Community Advocacy

  • Promote awareness of how the physical and social environment impacts health
  • Help clients set and work toward personal health-related goals
  • Connect residents to resources through the Healthy Communities Office, Arts & Health initiatives, and Community Health Worker Association of RI (CHWARI)
  • Engage clients with activities that build community and resilience

Outreach & Partnerships

  • Conduct regular outreach shifts at partner sites to build relationships and trust with youth and staff
  • Serve as a liaison with community health and housing partners
  • Share client needs and community opportunities across organizations
  • Attend CHWARI meetings and contribute to peer learning and resource sharing

Crisis Response & Client Advocacy

  • Provide timely support in crisis situations
  • Advocate for clients with service providers, landlords, and public agencies
  • Model trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches

Qualifications

Required

  • CHW Certification (CHWARI CORE) or enrollment in a CHW program
  • Fluency in Spanish and English (verbal and written)
  • Experience in case management, community outreach, healthcare, or social services
  • Passion for youth empowerment, especially within LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Comfort supporting individuals with mental health or substance use challenges
  • Competency using Google Workspace and general office tools
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work on-site/in the field

Preferred

  • Experience living in or serving public housing communities
  • Bilingual in additional languages (e.g., Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole)
  • Valid driver’s license and access to transportation

Work Culture & Expectations

  • Flexible scheduling with some evening or weekend availability required
  • Self-starters and community-minded folks encouraged to apply
  • Staff attend team meetings, supervision sessions, and professional development trainings
  • Deep respect for confidentiality, cultural humility, and harm reduction

Commitment to Equity

Haus of Codec is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We do not discriminate based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or immigration status.

Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter that that details how you meet the requirements of the job with 2-3 references contact information to info@hausofcodec.org with the subject line “Case Manager (CHW)”.

Lina Roman Selected as next Ambassador to NACHW!

CHWARI is thrilled to announce that talented, compassionate CHW, Lina Roman has been selected to serve as the next Rhode Island Ambassador to the National Community Health Worker Association! She is an invaluable asset to CHWARI, her clients, her community and the state of Rhode Island. We could not be more proud to have our small state represented by her powerful grace.

She shares her thanks and motivation in her own words. Desplácese hacia abajo para español.

Thank You Note: NACHW Ambassador Appointment

I am deeply honored to have been elected as an Ambassador for the National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW), representing the incredible CHWs of Rhode Island.

This role is more than a title—it is a reflection of my life’s purpose. Since I was young, I have always felt called to serve others—whether it was supporting family, neighbors, or my faith community.

As an immigrant in the United States, I faced many challenges: language barriers, cultural adjustments, isolation, and navigating unfamiliar systems. But through it all, I held on to one vision—that one day, once I had learned the language, understood the culture, and secured stable work, I would give back to the very community that helped me grow and thrive.

Today, that dream continues to come true. I am committed to working hard as part of the NACHW team to uplift, advocate, and fight for the rights of CHWs across cities and states throughout the U.S.

Thank you for this opportunity. I carry this responsibility with pride, humility, and determination. Together, we will make our voices heard.

With gratitude,
 

Lina Roman/ CCHW, SUPERVISOR, MHFA,and TRAINER.

Founder:  LATINX SUPPORT GROUP OF CHWs in RI


Ambassador, NACHW – Representing

Nota de Agradecimiento: Nombramiento como Embajador de NACHW.-

Estoy profundamente honrado de haber sido elegido como Embajador de la Asociación Nacional de Trabajadores de Salud Comunitaria (NACHW), representando a los increíbles TSC de Rhode Island.Este rol es más que un título—es un reflejo del propósito de mi vida. Desde joven, siempre he sentido el llamado de servir a los demás—ya sea apoyando a mi familia, vecinos o mi comunidad de fe.Como inmigrante en los Estados Unidos, enfrenté muchos desafíos: barreras idiomáticas, ajustes culturales, aislamiento y la navegación por sistemas desconocidos. Pero a pesar de todo, mantuve una visión—que algún día, una vez que hubiera aprendido el idioma, entendido la cultura y asegurado un trabajo estable, podría retribuir a la misma comunidad que me ayudó a crecer y prosperar.Hoy, ese sueño continúa haciéndose realidad. Estoy comprometido a trabajar arduamente como parte del equipo de NACHW para elevar, abogar y luchar por los derechos de los TSC en ciudades y estados de todo Estados Unidos.

Gracias por esta oportunidad. Llevo esta responsabilidad con orgullo, humildad y determinación. Juntos, haremos que nuestras voces se escuchen.

 Con gratitud,

 Lina Roman/ CCHW, SUPERVISORA, MHFA y ENTRENADORA.

 Fundadora: GRUPO DE APOYO LATINX DE CHWs en RI

 Embajadora, NACHW – Representando

Swanette Shares 7/6/25

This information was shared in an email from Swanette Salazar CCHW on 7/6/25, in her role as the Lead Community Health Worker Consultant – Rhode 2 Equity(CTC-RI). Some of this info is in the CHWARI Newsletter – some is not due to time issues. We try to post updates like this on our website so that all resources are ‘out there!’

Hey everyone,

It’s hard to believe, but the time has come—this will be my last newsletter and my term as RI’s First CHW Ambassador for NACHW has come to an end. What an incredible honor it’s been to walk alongside you all during this chapter. 💛

I’m so excited to share that Lina Roman was selected as our new RI CHW Ambassador! If you know Lina, you know that she is a powerhouse—an inspiring community advocate who leads with heart, strength, and vision. I can’t wait to celebrate her at Unity this year and witness all the amazing things ahead. 💥

As my time as a consultant with the CHW CCR grant also ends, I just want to say: thank you. Truly. The work we’ve done together, the relationships we’ve built, and the love and care you’ve all poured into this movement have been nothing short of transformational. While the grant may be ending, our collective work is far from over. The energy we’ve cultivated, the partnerships we’ve formed, and the commitment to justice and healing we share will continue to ripple forward.

I also know that these are challenging times. National events, policy shifts, funding cuts, and ongoing pressures can feel overwhelming and heavy. Please remember to care for yourselves as you care for others. Acknowledge what you’re carrying. Lean into your people. Set boundaries. Breathe. Reflect. Grow. And above all—stay rooted in community. We’re always stronger when we move together.

I’m grateful to continue showing up in this work in new ways, including as a new Commissioner for the CHAE! You will still see me around. And I’m always just an email away.

Let’s keep building, together.

With deep love, respect, and solidarity—

❤️ Swanette

Have you heard about..

Advocacy & Legislation

  • Passing legislation can take many years at times! If something you advocated for did not pass this year, do not lose hope! Keep working together because even the small successes make a ripple effect.
  • Longstanding payday lending reform policy finally passed, learn more here.
  • Housing Not Handcuffs
  • Economic Progress Institute’s Top Ten Wins
  • Minimum wage has been increased from $15 this year to $16 next year and will increase again in 2027 to $17
  • RIPTA to hold public hearings on proposed statewide service cute & fare increase in all 5 RI Counties. Under state law, the Authority must hold public hearings to receive input from the public at the hearings that will be submitted to the RIPTA Board of Directors before their voting meeting. If approved, the changes will go in effect on September 6, 2025. Learn more and find hearing information here.
    • With these cuts, riders should anticipate elimination of routes or route segments, decreased service frequency, reduced service spam, and reduced OR eliminated weekend service. These hearings are a chance for last minute advocacy to show leaders and the press how critical transit is to our community.

Professional Development, Opportunities, Resources

📣 Info Session: Monday, July 14, 2025 | 1–2 PM EST

💰 Registration Closes: Friday, July 11, 2025

🎓 Cost: $240 – Scholarships available!

Community Resources, Opportunities, & Events

  • Partners to Reduce Cancer in RI is seeking volunteers for Summer Skin Cancer Screenings.
    • Skin Check Dates + Locations
      • Saturday, July 12 | 11 -1pm – Scarborough Beach North
      • Friday, July 18 | 1:30 -3:30pm – Easton’s Beach
      • Saturday, August 2 | 11-1pm – Scarborough Beach North
      • Friday, August 15 | 1:30-3:30pm – Lincoln Woods State Park

Self-care resources/events

  • Saturday and Sundays 10-11 at Roger Williams Park | Bird and Plant walks. Learn more and register here.
  • July 12 | 9-4PM | Wickford Art Festival
  • July 26 | 7-10PM in Pawcatuck, CT | River Glow

Potential Funding/Grant Opportunities

Articles + Podcasts

Remember to take care of yourselves as you care for others. Stay grounded, stay connected—our strength is in community. See you around! ❤

With deep appreciation,

Swanette

Swanette Salazar CCHW

Lead Community Health Worker – First Connections Program

Commissioner – Commission for Health Advocacy and Equity

FSRI number: (401) 429-9125

salazarsw@familyserviceri.org

I use she/her/hers pronouns! How about you?

RI’s “Bridge to Better Health” CHW Marketing Campaign Earns Recognition and Awards!!!





We’re excited to share more campaign kudos!
RI’s “Bridge to Better Health” CHW Marketing Campaign Earns MORE Recognition and Awards!!!


The campaign “RI’s Community Health Workers: Your Bridge to Better Health” was recently recognized by the New England Society for Healthcare Communications (NESHCo) Lamplighter Awards with THREE awards:

  • Gold: Single Video – RI’s CHWs: Your Bridge to Better Health
  • Silver: Logo Design – RI’s CHWs: Your Bridge to Better Health
  • Bronze: Image/Branding – RI’s CHWs: Your Bridge to Better Health

All winners are listed at: https://lamplighter.awardsplatform.com/gallery.

This is the latest in many accolades the campaign has received since it was first launched in 2024 by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) Community Health Worker (CHW) Program to elevate the roles and profiles of CHWs in public health. In December 2024, this same RIDOH CHW Program campaign received a Silver Award in theprestigious 2024 Davey Awards for the campaign’s visual identity development in marketing and advertising. Earlier this spring, the campaign also received an Award of Excellence for “Features – Art Direction” in the prestigious  2025 Communicator Awards

The campaign was produced by the RIDOH CHW Program and RIDOH Center for Public Health Communication with Communications Manager Angela Lemire leading this multi-media project at RIDOH from its initial planning stages through final executions. RIDOH contracted with Reach Consulting, with Meara Levezow leading the agency’s 2023-2024 evidence-based formative research, campaign development, production, and marketing phases. Throughout these steps, RIDOH and Reach engaged with the CHW Strategy Team, Roadmap groups, local CHWs, employers, and community partners to share insights, personal stories, and creative feedback. 

Congratulations to all RIDOH and Reach staff, CHWs, employers, and allied partners who were involved or shared their deep insights, personal stories, and creative feedback!

Access all award-winning campaign videos right here on YouTube! 

2025 Community Impact Awards!

desplácese hacia abajo para español

Celebrating Our Inaugural CHW & Ally Award Recipients

With deep gratitude and joy, I warmly congratulate the very first recipients of Rhode Island’s Community Impact Awards for Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Allies!

This was our first year recognizing the incredible work of Community Health Workers and the allies who stand beside us—and what a powerful beginning it was. These awards were shaped by true community voices: individuals who spoke up about the CHWs and partners making real change in their lives and neighborhoods.

To the recipients—thank you for setting such a high standard.
To the nominators—thank you for helping us see and celebrate one another.
The future of this workforce is strong because it’s rooted in community.

With pride and appreciation, we honor these first recipients—leaders whose work truly reflects the heart of community health.

These are the stories that inspired this new tradition—one we hope to carry on for years to come. Your voices brought this to life, and together, we celebrated leaders who embody the heart of community work: equity, trust, advocacy, and love.

To Koren and Evylegna: thank you for showing us what leadership rooted in community truly looks like.

In community,
Swanette Salazar
RI State CHW Ambassador

CHW Awardee:

Koren Carbuccia, BA, CPD, CCHWS

Community Health Leader | Founder & CEO of Rhode Island Independent Community Health Works | Co-Director at Brown University-Warren Alpert Medical School


“Koren shows up not just with resources, but with heart. She listens deeply, leads with compassion, and empowers others to speak up for themselves.”

“She doesn’t wait for change—she is the change. Koren fights for her community like it’s her family, because to her, it is.”

Dr. Tonya Glantz, left, and Felix Colon, right, present the award to Koren, center

Ally Awardee:

Dra. Evylegna Rodríguez, M.A., L.P.

Executive Director, Centro de Innovación Salud y Bienstar


“Evylegna doesn’t just talk about equity—she invests in it. She uplifts CHWs, builds bridges across systems, and ensures our voices are heard where decisions are made.”

“She is a quiet powerhouse, always moving behind the scenes to make sure CHWs have what they need to succeed and thrive.”

Paola Nuñez Reyez of CHWARI (left) presents the award to Dra. Evylegna Rodríguez of Centro de Innovación Salud y Bienstar (right)


Celebrando a las Primeras Ganadoras de los Premios de Impacto Comunitario para CHWs/TCS y Personas Aliadas

Con profunda gratitud y alegría, extiendo mis más cálidas felicitaciones a las primeras ganadoras de los Premios de Impacto Comunitario de Rhode Island para Trabajadoros Comunitarios de la Salud (CHWs/TCS) y Personas Aliadas.

Este primer año reconociendo el trabajo increíble de los CHWs/TCS y sus aliados incansables fue un comienzo poderoso. Estos premios se construyeron con voces auténticas de la comunidad, personas que hablaron desde el corazón sobre los CHWs/TCS y colaboradoras que están generando cambios reales y duraderos en sus vidas y vecindarios.

A los ganadores—gracias por poner el listón tan alto.
A quienes hicieron las nominaciones—gracias por ayudarnos a vernos y celebrarnos mutuamente.
El futuro de esta fuerza laboral es fuerte porque está profundamente entre en la comunidad.

Con orgullo y agradecimiento, honramos a estas primeras ganadoras—líderes cuyo trabajo refleja verdaderamente el corazón de la salud comunitaria.

Estas historias inspiradoras dieron vida a esta nueva tradición—una que esperamos continuar por muchos años. Sus voces hicieron esto posible, y juntos celebramos a líderes que encarnan el verdadero corazón del trabajo comunitario: equidad, confianza, defensa y amor.

A Koren y Evylegna: gracias por mostrarnos cómo es el liderazgo verdaderamente enraizado en la comunidad.

En comunidad,
Swanette Salazar
Embajadora Estatal de CHWs de Rhode Island

Premio CHW:

Koren Carbuccia, BA, CPD, CCHWS

Community Health Leader | Founder & CEO of Rhode Island Independent Community Health Works | Co-Director at Brown University-Warren Alpert Medical School


“Koren no solo brinda recursos, sino que lo hace con el corazón. Escucha con atención, lidera con compasión y empodera a otras para que levanten su voz.”

“Ella no espera el cambio—ella es el cambio. Koren lucha por su comunidad como si fuera su familia, porque para ella, lo es.”

La Dra. Tonya Glantz (izquierda) y Félix Colón (derecha) entregan el premio a Koren Carbuccia (centro).

Premio Persona Aliada:

Dra. Evylegna Rodríguez, M.A., L.P.

Executive Director, Centro de Innovación Salud y Bienstar


“Evylegna no solo habla de equidad—invierte en ella. Apoya a los CHWs/TCS, construye puentes entre sistemas y asegura que nuestras voces se escuchen donde se toman las decisiones.”

“Es una fuerza silenciosa, siempre trabajando tras bambalinas para que los CHWs tengan lo que necesitan para prosperar.”

Paola Nuñez Reyez de CHWARI (izquierda) entrega el premio a la Dra. Evylegna Rodríguez del Centro de Innovación Salud y Bienstar (derecha)