Community Health Worker Program
Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) program offering! Prepare for a career as a Community Health Worker. As a trusted figure in this role, you will apply understanding of the communities you serve to connect people to services and resources to improve health outcomes. The work involves outreach, community education, systems navigation, and referrals.
- Gain college credit and connect with local employers in this growing field through PVCC’s award-winning Network2Work program
- Enhance employable skills as a Community Health Worker
- Learn foundational concepts in community health and health promotion, apply preventive health knowledge, practice outreach and advocacy skills in your community, and connect directly with local agencies and services
Community Resources
MAPP2Health for Congregations and Faith-based Organizations
The Faith and Wellness Resource Guide is designed to help faith leaders easily identify recommendations and take action to support better health and well-being for their congregation and community across the four MAPP2Health priorities.
Learn about Health Equity: Host an Unnatural Causes Screening and Discussion Series
Have you ever wondered how healthy your community is? Overall, what do you think would make your community a healthy, well, equitable, and just place to live for all people? Below are three common depictions of health equity:
Unnatural Causes is a seven-part DVD series (4 hours) that explores complicated questions of health, health equity, and health inequities. To learn more about health equity and the root causes of health inequities in your community, organize a screening and discussion for your community group, neighborhood association, Chamber of Commerce, faith congregation, or as a staff training opportunity. Visit https://www.unnaturalcauses.org/ to view clips, download the discussion guide and handouts, and to find other tools and resources. Additional clips that share key concepts from the documentary are available here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLayHb3ehfKbfxdMAmIkFm2wlRikR4Ka6f.
Promoting Healthy Eating and Active Living
The Move2Health coalition aims to encourage healthy eating and active living for residents of BRHD. Visit www.move2healthcentralva.com.
The Charlottesville Food Justice Network is an emerging collaborative effort among local organizations working in unique and complementary ways to build a healthy and just community food system. Visit https://www.cityschoolyardgarden.org/programs/charlottesville-food-justice-network/.
Addressing Mental Health and Substance Use
The Community Mental Health and Wellness Coalition is a multidisciplinary group that collaborates to promote behavioral health and wellness through planning, advocacy, and access to effective service delivery for our region. Visit http://helphappenshere.org/.
Reducing Health Disparities and Improving Access to Care
The Improving Pregnancy Outcomes Workgroup is a community coalition coordinating efforts to reduce infant mortality/morbidity and associated racial disparities in Charlottesville and Albemarle. For a copy of IPO’s updated Pregnancy and Parenting Resource Guide, click here.
Fostering a Healthy and Connected Community for All Ages
The Charlottesville/Albemarle Coalition for Healthy Youth (CACHY) is a collaborative group of community members and agencies who care for and about young people. Visit http://www.cachy.net/.
The Charlottesville Area Alliance is a collective of Albemarle County’s regional partners who aim to boost awareness of senior issues, and to lead the advancement of an age-friendly community. Visit http://www.charlottesvilleareaalliance.org.