The American College of Rheumatology is excited to bring a PAID Lupus Training opportunity to RI. They have been able to bring this project to over 10 CHW organizations around the country over the past few years. Organizations who employ or work with CHWs who facilitate this training will be compensated $4,000 for training 20 CHWs.
Here is some information about the project:
This program aims to increase CHWs (1) knowledge about the signs and symptoms of lupus, lupus health disparities, lupus clinical trials and clinical trial disparities; and (2) skills to increase lupus awareness and support clients with potential and diagnosed lupus.
The entire length of the program is no more than 6 hours
This can be completed all at once, or broken into 5 sessions
The training can be implemented in-person or virtually (based on how the organization is conducting other trainings)
Each site should reach at least 10 CHWs (who take the pre-test and post-test, which is done via online links that are already set up)
Sites that successfully implement the program with 20 CHWs (who take the pre-test and post-test) will receive a $4,000 stipend
Sites that successfully implement the program with 10 CHWs will receive a $2000 stipend, and a $3,000 stipend for implementing with 11 – 19 CHWs.
The facilitator should be someone within the organization who trains CHWs on other topics
There will be an orientation call prior to the scheduled sessions to go over any questions the facilitator might have
The sessions will be facilitated in English
Activity sheets for participants to use during the training are also in English
Handouts for CHWs to share with clients/patients and community members are available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Karen, Somali, Marshallese, and Mixteco.
Reach out to Jasmine Thomas, CAPM(she/her) jthomas@rheumatology.org with interest and questions.
U.S. Department of Education Layoffs Put Special Education at Risk
Warwick, RI — RIPIN is alarmed by reports indicating that the U.S. Department of Education has terminated nearly the entire department that works on special education and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This department is known as the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and the layoffs are effective December 9th. Mass layoffs at OSEP pose real risks to special education for students with disabilities.
States, districts, students, and families rely on OSEP to ensure that special education works. OSEP plays a critical role in distributing funding to states and to nonprofits that help families, updating and clarifying federal rules, identifying and disseminating best practices, and ensuring that schools and districts follow federal law.
The IDEA is the foundational Civil Rights law that ensures students with disabilities have the support they need in school to help them succeed.
“Without a team at OSEP, the IDEA risks becoming an empty shell,” said Sam Salganik, RIPIN’s Executive Director. “Success in special education requires collaboration between all levels of government: federal, state, and local. Families may not notice the impact of these cuts in one week or one month, but make no mistake, without federal expertise and support, schools, families, and students will suffer in the long run.”
RIPIN is working with partners to try to get this harmful action rescinded. Please stay tuned for updates about how you can get involved. Students and families need OSEP.
These layoffs should not change anything about the services that students with disabilities are currently receiving from their schools. RIPIN’s team remains available for Rhode Island families who need support navigating special education.
Founded in 1991, RIPIN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps thousands of Rhode Islanders each year with health care, special education, and healthy aging. RIPIN uses a model of peer professional support—more than three-fourths of RIPIN’s staff are caregivers of a loved one with special health care or special education needs. For more information about RIPIN and its mission, please visit the organization’s website at www.ripin.org.
This email was sent 10/01/25 by the Urban Perinatal Education Center. It had so much content we wanted you to see it all, so we posted it! The formatting isn’t perfect. Sign up for their emails at the bottom of their website! https://urbanperinatal.org/
Happy 3rd Year Anniversary We have a lot to celebrate, as of September 13, 2025, we celebrated THREE years of the Urban Perinatal Education Center. Our last tally showed we have served over 600 families, around 200+ families and each year with over 30+ provider referral based organizations for our services: childbirth education, doula, lactation services, and our Easy Access Clinic. We continue to grow and support workforce development in all areas of community led and based perinatal care fields. With Gratitude. This work is demanding, yet rewarding. We have seen significant financial ramifications in funding loss towards community health. We know the community impact is one way we can continue our efforts. Become a Monthly Donor New Changes to the Midwifery Initiative We have some new changes for the Midwifery Initiative. This year 2025-2026 we will be implementing scholarships for all three licensed Midwifery workforces regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Health. This changes shifts focus beyond the growing Certified Professional Midwifery (CPM) workforce include Certified Midwifery (CM) and Certified Nurse Midwifery (CNM), two hospital based focused integrated Midwifery professions. CNM and CM are often found in our local community health centers, and five birthing hospitals. Changes with the initiative will include financial assistance with prerequisites (CPM & CM) and books/equipment scholarship for current RI resident Midwifery students. A listening ear and a compassionate heart. You asked. We listened. Reminder: Our Call A Midwife line is available through our Easy Access Clinic for people who would like a clinical consult to review their information, a conversation over their results with consent in their MyCharts, and another perspective to assist in their advocacy for their childbirthing rights. Please reach out and schedule a call if you need it. Our line is for consultation is directed by Licensed Midwife, Amariee Collins of Radicle Midwifery LLC. A homebirth Midwife, who serves Rhode Island. 50 by 50: Beloved Birth and Community Midwifery Thank you to all of our vendors and providers who attended the Beloved Birth event. We are grateful to everyone who came to share their businesses, support families, and learn more about the work in community. Thank you to Birth Center Equity, who provided us with a small sponsorship grant to host this event. The 50 by 50 is an initiative to increase access to midwifery care in the United States, designed by Birth Center Equity (BCE). The goal is for 50% of all births in the US to be attended by midwives by the year 2050. The movement envisions a future where all families have access to safe, culturally relevant, and community-based birth options, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities in maternal healthcare. The Urban Perinatal Education Center is an integral member of the community birth network with BCE. Elevating Community Midwifery is a shared common thread of both of our organizations and highlights accessible, individualized, person-centered care as a primary focus towards a just and beloved community. When speaking on Community Midwifery, as a community standard, it is defined as private and/or shared independent Midwifery practices for out-of-hospital birth settings such as home birth and/or freestanding independent birth center providers. ** Shirts are still available for purchase** Each shirt promotes Community Midwifery awareness and support the Community Midwifery initiative. PVD Fest with The Black Marketplace Thank you PVD fest! We had a great time a the annual PVD Fest at the Black Market. We were able to link up Irth in community. It was great to be in community and support our local ecosystem of culture and celebration. We look forward to seeing you again, next year. Community Events and Information THE DOULAS ARE GROWING, THE DOULAS ARE GROWING! We have seen an increase in our doula requests. Congratulations to all the families we serve. Our referral network through our hotline and online form is seeking to expand to more doulas who support RI EOHHS state insurance providers as a priority to equitable care. Seeking medicaid approved doula providers, diverse lingustics skills (Urdu, Chinese, Russian, etc.) and cultural backgrounds (Muslim, Buddhaism, Catholicism, etc.). Special thank you to our 30+ providers community are continuously supporting families with calls and referrals. Also, a humble thank you to our perinatal peer support specialists for filling in for communities most at risk when systems referrals fall through the cracks and we need immediate support. Community Baby Shower with Sistafire RI Sistafire is hosting their third ever Community Baby Shower at John Hope on October 4 from 1-5 PM! Their Community Baby Shower welcomes birthing families of color who are pregnant or have given birth within the last year to come out and celebrate their growing family. They connect families with doulas of color and local community organizations that provide services that our families need. They also hold a raffle and baby shower games with prizes for participating families. Additionally, families are encouraged to check out our Freedom Boutique where they can select used baby and maternity clothing. RSVP below to let us know you and your family will be attending (not required). RegisterBengkung Belly Binding Birth Matron: Mama Q Our optimistic learning community enthusiast, Mama Q, completed the Birth Matron training for belly binding in the Malay tradition this past weekend with Salwa Salim in Virginia. Mama Q says once she has all her supplies she will be willing to offer this postpartum care package learned by the Malay tradition to families in the early postpartum period. Benefits of belly binding include, but not limited to: Addressing the Neglected Postpartum Period Holistic Well-being Enhanced Postpartum Care Reducing Postpartum Depression and Complications Serves are provided in home of families, stay up to date in the newsletter to learn more. 215 Cottage Street Pawtucket RI 02860 unsubscribe
Swanette Salazar honored with “Hope in Healthcare” Award!
Six RI CHWs including those from the 02907 HEZ and Sankofa Initiatives teams at the West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation attended last weeks Unity Conference in Columbus Ohio. Read NACHW’s recap here.
RI’s new ambassador to NACHW, Lina Roman, spoke about the conference, “This is my second Unity conference but my first time as ambassador. I met the other ambassadors, one from Alaska, Nebraska, Puerto Rico, New York and New Hampshire. It is interesting and important to see how other states are doing with CHW – do they have training, do they have a state organization? (Nebraska does not.) It helps us understand where Rhode Island is at and where we need to continue to advocate.”
Outgoing NACHW Ambassador, Swanette Salazar was awarded the ‘Hope In Healthcare Award’ honoring CHWs demonstrating exemplary work towards achieving health equity. She shared, “Unity was such a meaningful experience, and it’s always a joy to be surrounded by my CHW family. This year felt special — I got to share the space with RI’s new ambassador Lina Roman, Geraldine McPhee, and the amazing West Elmwood HEZ leaders, Jessica Thigpen and her team once again!
I was truly surprised and deeply honored to receive the Hope in Healthcare award.
Thank you to everyone who believed in me, nominated me, and continues to pour into me with love, encouragement, and support. When you love what you do, it really doesn’t feel like work. I’m so grateful to be walking in my purpose — and I’ll keep showing up, doing the work, and pouring back into the community I care so deeply about.
Rhode Island, I love you — and I’m not done yet. ❤️”
Graduation is an accomplishment. A celebration of hard work and perseverance. We are excited to share important graduations recently celebrated by Rhode Island’s CHWs! If you are looking for confirmation that RI’s CHWs can and will rise to meet challenges… here are 111 great examples of CHWs doing just that!
🎓 CHWARI hits 450! CHWARI’s Core Training program through RIC’s Institute for Education in Healthcare graduated 31 more CHWs on July 1st! This brings us to more than 450 CHWs trained since 2019. What a strong foundation for the workforce! Stay tuned for dates for our next core training which will be offered in the fall. Priority will be given to those who have already completed some CHW work/volunteer hours, so accrue if you can. (Employers – are you looking for CHW volunteers and/or do you have work for non-certified CHWs? Email joinchwari@gmail.com and we will share!)
🎓 RI Support Network Celebrates 37 CHW Graduates! RI Support Network recently graduated 37 CHWs from its 70-hour CHW training program, delivered in partnership with Roger Williams University Extension School. These graduates are now prepared to support individuals and families across Rhode Island through culturally responsive, hands-on health and wellness services.
Thanks to their partnership with RWU Extension School, graduates are eligible to earn 5 college credits toward a degree. Those who go on to obtain their RI CHW Certification can receive up to 18 additional credits, opening doors to higher education and career advancement in public health. Email to express interest in their next cohort: info@risupportnetwork.org
🎓 Visión y Compromiso Promotora Training Graduates 22! The Latinx CHW Support group collaborated with CHW Voices, and CHWARI to bring the Visión y Compromiso Promotora training to RI. Central Falls School District, Connexion Latina Newport, Bridges Connection Consulting, and Connecting for Children and Families joined the effort to engage Spanish speaking communities across the state. Twenty two promotors participated in 48+ hours of intense, interactive, culturally-appropriate CHW training in Spanish.
Trainers were given a citation by Representative David Morales, and participants each received citations from Maria Rivera, the Mayor of Central Falls! Stay connected to RI’s Latinx Support Group for follow up on this training and future trainings like it!
The First CISB Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Course! Español aqui. This past Saturday, July 26, 2025, the first section of Centro de Innovación Salud y Bienestar’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Course was successfully completed by 8 CHWs. This 30-hour training is valid for the new Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders endorsement from the RI Certification Board. Participants are now ready to formally apply for the endorsement, expanding their competencies to better support communities facing mental health and substance use challenges. Their next class starts 9/6/25! See details below (purple dot outline)!
Last but certainly not least…
🎓CISB’s Mental Health Community Health Worker Graduation – July 28, 2025 Español aqui. On Monday, the Graduation and Recertification Ceremony for Centro de Innovación Salud y Bienestar’s Mental Health Community Health Worker Course was held at the Rhode Island State House Library. This course represents the most advanced specialization in mental health for CHWs. A total of 13 CHWs successfully completed the 180-hour training, reaffirming their commitment to the emotional well-being of their communities. The event was attended by political leaders, community partners, and family members, who came together to recognize the effort, dedication, and transformative work of these essential professionals within the public health system.
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
June 28 – August 24 | Due to cuts, the Beach Bus may be ending. Join others on what could be the last annual Beach Bus season adventures. Check out the schedule here.
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
Koren Carbuccia, BA, CPD, CCHWS Community Health Leader | Founder & CEO of Rhode Island Community Health Works | Co-Director at Brown University-Warren Alpert Medical School
Koren Carbuccia is a seasoned community health advocate with nearly two decades of experience advancing health equity and empowering underserved populations. She currently serves as Co-Director of the Interdisciplinary Navigation Partnership Program at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, where she designs and implements innovative programs that integrate healthcare systems with social supports. Her work prioritizes prison reentry services, holistic BIPOC health, and perinatal and postpartum mental health care.
Her expertise includes addressing complex challenges such as anxiety disorders and life transitions, ensuring trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive care.
Koren is also the Founder and CEO of Rhode Island Community Health Works (RICHW), a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering independent Community Health Workers (CHWs) through training, technical assistance, and access to resources. Under her leadership, RICHW has become a cornerstone of CHW workforce development in Rhode Island—promoting civic engagement, cultural humility, and entrepreneurial skill-building to support CHWs in growing sustainable careers.
As a Certified Perinatal Doula, Koren provides compassionate, community-based care for justice-impacted families, including those affected by incarceration, substance use disorder, reentry, and involvement with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Her doula work emphasizes dignity, trust, and family-centered healing during critical moments of vulnerability. Koren’s lived experiences are central to her leadership and advocacy. Her commitment to equity is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and a vision for a more just and accessible healthcare system. Through her work, she continues to inspire lasting change and meaningful transformation across Rhode Island communities. 🔗 https://www.riichworks.com/RICHWCOOP
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)
Dr. Evylegna Rodríguez is a psychologist specializing in community psychology with over 20 years of professional experience dedicated to promoting mental health, overall well-being, and the empowerment of Hispanic communities. For the past 15 years, she has served as the Executive Director of the Center for Innovation in Health and Well-Being, a psychosocial center providing mental health, behavioral health, and comprehensive social assistance services to individuals who speak only Spanish or indigenous dialects.
Through the Center, she also leads the coordination of the National Network of Hispanic Community Health Workers, a project that promotes the professionalization, ongoing training, and visibility of the essential role these workers play in transforming community health systems across the United States.
Throughout her career, Dr. Rodríguez has developed and implemented culturally competent programs that integrate clinical care with the promotion of rights, education, and active community participation. Her leadership combines solid academic training with a deep social commitment.
She is a recognized national and international speaker and will participate in August 2025 at the National Latino Behavioral Health Conference in New Mexico, where she will present the talk titled: “The Transformative Role of Community Health Workers Specialized in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders.”
Her work reflects the conviction that mental health is a fundamental human right, and that only through a community approach, cultural inclusion, collaborative action, the application of the biopsychosocial model, and the recognition of the fundamental role of Community Health Workers is it possible to build healthier, more resilient, and empowered communities.
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
PremioCHW:
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).
Koren Carbuccia, Licenciada en Artes, Doula Perinatal Certificada (CPD), Especialista Certificada en Servicios de Salud Comunitaria (CCHWS)
Koren Carbuccia es una defensora de la salud comunitaria con una trayectoria de casi dos décadas dedicada a promover la equidad en salud y empoderar a comunidades desatendidas. Como Codirectora del Programa de Asociación Interdisciplinaria de Navegación en la Escuela de Medicina Warren Alpert de la Universidad de Brown, desarrolla programas innovadores que conectan los sistemas de salud con los servicios de apoyo social, con un enfoque particular en la reintegración tras la encarcelación, la salud integral para personas BIPOC y la salud mental perinatal y posparto.
Su experiencia abarca el tratamiento de trastornos de ansiedad y otros desafíos complejos, asegurando una atención holística y centrada en la persona para quienes atraviesan transiciones difíciles en la vida. Koren es fundadora y directora ejecutiva de Rhode Island Community Health Works, una organización comprometida con el empoderamiento de trabajadores comunitarios de salud (CHW, por sus siglas en inglés) independientes, brindándoles formación, recursos y apoyo técnico. Su liderazgo ha convertido a la organización en una base fundamental para el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral en Rhode Island, destacando la participación cívica, la competencia cultural y el desarrollo de habilidades empresariales para que los CHWs prosperen profesionalmente.
Como Doula Perinatal Certificada, Koren ofrece servicios compasivos y centrados en la comunidad, especialmente dirigidos a familias afectadas por la justicia penal, incluyendo aquellas impactadas por la encarcelación, la reintegración, el trastorno por uso de sustancias (SUD) y la intervención del DCYF (Departamento de Niños, Jóvenes y Familias). Su labor se centra en proporcionar una atención culturalmente sensible que eleve a las familias en momentos críticos.
Las experiencias vividas de Koren alimentan su pasión por construir sistemas de salud inclusivos y equitativos. Con autenticidad, empatía y una visión estratégica, inspira a otros a reimaginar la salud comunitaria como una base para una atención sostenible, accesible y justa. Su liderazgo es una fuerza impulsora detrás de iniciativas que generan un impacto duradero en las comunidades de Rhode Island. 🔗 https://www.riichworks.com/RICHWCOOP
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)
La Dra. Evylegna Rodríguez es psicóloga con especialidad en psicología comunitaria y cuenta con más de 20 años de experiencia profesional dedicados a la promoción de la salud mental, el bienestar integral y el fortalecimiento de las comunidades hispanas. Durante los últimos 15 años, ha dirigido el Centro de Innovación Salud y Bienestar, un centro psicosocial que ofrece servicios de salud mental, salud del comportamiento y asistencia social integral a personas que solo hablan español o dialectos indígenas.
Desde el Centro, lidera la coordinación de la Red Nacional de Trabajadores Comunitarios de la Salud Hispanos, un proyecto que impulsa la profesionalización, la capacitación continua y la visibilización del rol esencial de estos trabajadores en la transformación de los sistemas de salud comunitaria en Estados Unidos. A lo largo de su carrera, la Dra. Rodríguez ha desarrollado e implementado programas culturalmente competentes, integrando la atención clínica con la promoción de derechos, la educación y la participación comunitaria. Su liderazgo combina una sólida formación académica con un profundo compromiso social.
Es una reconocida conferenciante a nivel nacional e internacional, y en agosto de 2025 participará en la National Latino Behavioral Health Conference en Nuevo México, donde presentará la ponencia titulada: “El Rol Transformador de los Trabajadores Comunitarios de la Salud Especializados en Salud Mental y Trastornos por el Uso de Sustancias.”
Su trabajo refleja la convicción de que la salud mental es un derecho humano fundamental, y que solo a través del enfoque comunitario, la inclusión cultural, la acción colaborativa, la aplicación del modelo biopsicosocial y el reconocimiento del papel fundamental de los Trabajadores Comunitarios de la Salud es posible construir comunidades más saludables, resilientes y empoderadas.
