Central Oregon Community College (COCC) is hosting its third annual Traditional Health Worker Workforce Summit, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Redmond campus. The event is focused on creating connections and opportunities to support community health across Oregon, designed to support best practices and provide career networking for front-line public health specialists. Visit cocc.edu/programs/public-health/thworkforcesummit to learn more; the event is sold out.
Traditional health workers refer to the six different worker types ranging from community health workers to peer support specialists to birth doulas. Intended for both new traditional health workers and those already practicing — who advocate for patients through culturally appropriate support and education — the event will feature breakout sessions and networking opportunities.
With more than a dozen professionals slated to present, including the tribal liaison for the equity and inclusion division at the Oregon Health Authority, the mental health promotion strategist with Deschutes County Health Services, and a peer support specialist from Deschutes County Behavioral Health, sessions include topics in suicide prevention, severe mental illness, motivational interviewing, self-care and tribal community collaboration.
The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with a welcome from COCC president Dr. Greg Pereira and PacificSource Health Plans’ vice president of community health Leslie Neugebauer.
Attendees of the summit — with support from PacificSource Health Plans and the Hickok-Wallace Endowed Fund for the college’s community health worker program — can submit professional development participation to meet continuing education requirements for Oregon Health Authority-registered traditional health workers.
In advance of college events, persons needing accommodation or transportation because of a physical or mobility disability should contact campus services at 541-383-7775. For accommodation because of other disability such as hearing impairment, contact student accessibility services at sas@cocc.edu or 541-383-7583.
