We are excited to announce the Call for Presenters for the 2024 Florida CHW Summit being held on July 11-12, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. “Empowering Lives: Cultivating a Sustainable Community Health Worker (CHW) Workforce”. This year’s theme is centered around fostering a well-trained CHW workforce and establishing collaborative partnerships that helps this vital workforce improve health outcomes in the communities they work, live and age. We aim to ensure CHWs are well-trained, cultivated workforce with the ability to help communities attain optimal health. 

Presenters should consider submitting proposals that offer professional skill development, encourages and harnesses connections with the CHW Workforce across health and social sectors, ultimately enhancing the quality of life of underserved and underrepresented communities. By embracing the CHW model, both health and social sectors can devise innovative solutions to healthier outcomes. We are seeking presenters and presentations that will empower and engage CHWs,  promote collaboration, and encourage employers alike to integrate this trusted workforce into communities initiatives and health systems.  

We welcome presentation proposals that align with this year’s theme and one of the following focus areas:

1.    Community Health & Community-Clinical Linkage

Presentations should emphasize Community Health Worker (CHWs), programs, and partnership models. They should promote prevention and demonstrate how addressing the social determinants of health (SDoH) or health-related social needs (HRSN) and how community-clinic linkages impact conditions such as chronic diseases, substance abuse disorders, mental health, tobacco cessation, and other programs.

2.    Sustainability, Policy, and Advocacy

Presentations should focus on showcasing promising practices, policies, and pilot programs that bolster Community Health worker (CHW) integration. Additionally, they should highlight sustainability efforts of the CHW workforce, delve into payment models, and showcase the return on investment.  Alternatively, presentations can also equip CHW with advocacy tools and foster their understanding and encourage active participation in policymaking. 

3.    Professional Skill Building

The escalating demand for Community Health Worker services, especially in rural and underrepresented communities necessitates an ongoing and adaptable skillset. These dedicated professionals play a crucial role in addressing the diverse needs of their communities. To support CHW effectiveness presenters should provide impactful continuing education opportunities that enhance their knowledge and encourage employers to evaluate the skillsets of CHWs and their contributions. Presenters who address this focus area will receive an additional proposal point. 

4. Workforce Development and Career Pathways

It is essential that presentations highlight various aspects of training, workforce development and career advancement strategies for CHWs. These areas include: 

a) Telehealth Introduction: Familiarizing CHWs with telehealth and best practices. 

b)     Digital Literacy that enhances CHW digital skills. 

c)     Data Collection and Record Keeping and equip CHWs with effective data collection techniques and record keeping skills and knowledge.

d)     Responsible AI Tools: Highlighting AI tools that complement CHW services and the appropriate usage.

5.     Mental Health and Self-Care Mental Health and emphasis on self-care is crucial for maintaining a balanced CHW life and contributing to the overall workforce well-being. Presentations on workplace wellness initiatives, resiliency, and other self-care best practices. Presenters who address these focus areas will receive an additional proposal point. 

PRESENTATION PROPOSALS ARE DUE!