Conference Location (4/10 & 4/11): The Westin Cincinnati
Networking Reception (4/10 5:30-8:00 PM): National Underground Railroad Museum Freedom Center
Program Highlights
Welcome
Director Angela Dawson, Ohio Commission on Minority Health
Keynote
"Bridging Social and Digital Determinants of Health: The Impact of CHWs on Health Equity"
- Presenter: Danika Mills, Head of Care Operations at Grayce
- Summary: Danika will explore the intersection of digital health equity and community health workers (CHWs), discussing how technology can reduce health disparities and improve access to care for underserved populations.
Panel Discussions
Policy and Partnerships: Ohio Legislators Strategies for Tackling Social Determinants of Health
Moderator: Hailey Akah, Health Policy Institute of Ohio
Panelists: Ohio Legislators including Representatives Jodi Salvo and Darnell Brewer
Ohio legislators will discuss policies and partnerships aimed at addressing health-related social needs, focusing on how state-level legislation and collaborations are working to reduce health disparities.
CHW Funding & Sustainability: History and Future Landscape
Panelists:
- Kristina Ramos-Callan – Health equity advocate focused on building healthcare-community partnerships
- Timothy P. McNeill – Founder of Freedmen’s Health Consulting and Freedmen’s Medicine
- Dr. Sarah Redding – Co-founder of the Pathways Community HUB Institute
Summary: This panel will explore the sustainability of CHW funding models, providing historical perspectives and insights into securing long-term investments in CHWs as a critical component of the healthcare workforce.
The Role of Community Health Records in Connecting to Health Information Exchanges – Key Considerations for CHWs in Delivering Care
Panelists:
- Kate Hinken- Vice President, Customer Success at CCS Health
- Danika Mills – Head of Care Operations at Grayce
- Dan Paoletti - Chief Executive Officer at Ohio Health Information Partnership
- Jade Glover - Certified Community Health Worker at Mercy Health
- Denise Harris - Director of Care Coordination Services at Health Care Access Now
Summary: This panel will discuss how Community Health Records (CHRs) can enhance care delivery by connecting health systems and improving communication. Panelists will explore practical considerations for CHWs working with CHRs and Health Information Exchanges (HIEs).
Interpersonal Violence and Social Drivers of Health: Addressing the Complexities in Rural and Urban Communities
Moderator: Jennifer Ekey, Director of Policy & Engagement with Women Helping Women
Panelists:
- Davina Cooper – Senior Director of 24 Response with Women Helping Women
- Amy Weber – Chief Impact Officer, United Way Greater Cincinnati
- Maria York – Policy Director, Ohio Domestic Violence Network
- Tammy Robertson – Statewide Director of Forensic Nursing, Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence
- Summary: This panel will explore the intersection of interpersonal violence, social drivers of health, and the differences in addressing these issues in rural versus urban communities. Panelists will discuss the unique challenges faced in both settings, as well as strategies to improve access to resources and support for survivors.
Housing Panel: Advancing Community Solutions for Housing Equity
Panelists:
- Jodi Cunningham – Director of Health and Housing at The Community Builders, Inc.
- Kevin Finn – President & CEO of Strategies to End Homelessness
Summary: This panel will explore the critical intersection of housing and health, discussing how stable housing contributes to better health outcomes and how health systems can support housing initiatives to address homelessness and housing instability.
Breakout Sessions
1. Medicare Billing for CHWs
Presenter: Timothy P. McNeill, Founder of Freedmen’s Health Consulting and Freedmen’s Medicine
Summary: This breakout session will dive into the complexities of Medicare billing, offering strategies to navigate reimbursement processes effectively. Timothy will explain how community organizations can bill through CMS changes and explore opportunities for health systems in collaborating with community partners.
2. Mama Certified
Presenter: Dr. Meredith Smith, Executive Director of Cradle Cincinnati
Summary: Dr. Smith will provide an in-depth overview of the Mama Certified initiative, exploring its role in empowering mothers and improving birth outcomes through community-based approaches.
3. Can’t We All Just Get Aligned? The Secret Sauce of Tech-Powered Community Partnerships
Presenters: Katherine Rogers, Sean Ossont
Summary: This session will showcase how technology is transforming community partnerships, bridging gaps in care, and advancing health equity initiatives.
4. Promoting Excellence in Supervision Support for Community Health Workers
Presenter: Denise Harris
Summary: This workshop will focus on best practices in supervision to strengthen the effectiveness of the CHW workforce.
5. NICHQ’s Community-Centered Hospital Initiative
Presenter: Michelle Edison, MPH, MS
Summary: Michelle will present strategies for integrating hospital and community efforts to improve health outcomes.
6. Adopting Safe Technology Solutions to Improve Community Health
Presenter: Kara Wasser, Founder & CEO of Looped Solutions
Summary: Kara will discuss how organizations can adopt secure and effective technology solutions to enhance health service delivery.
7. Assessing Community Health Workers’ Performance and Impact
Presenter: Dr. Dennis Kirimi
Summary: Dr. Kirimi will explore evaluation methodologies to measure CHW effectiveness and improve community health strategies.
8. Preliminary Findings from the Statewide CHW Workforce Assessment
Presenter(s): Tammy Kahrig, Margaret Hutzel
Summary: In 2024, the Ohio Center for Community Health Worker Excellence commissioned a statewide study of the CHW workforce. In this session, researchers from Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service will share preliminary findings from stage one of the study, which included individual interviews with 14 of the CHW training programs in the state, interviews with 23 key informants representing local and state organizations, 15 focus group interviews with CHWs, and 10 focus group interviews with supervisors of CHWs. Following the sharing of findings, researchers will engage participants in a series of discussions to brainstorm recommendations related to these findings.
9. Community Health Workers at The Foodbank, Inc.
Presenter: Carrie Breitwieser, LISW-S
Summary: The Foodbank, Inc. has partnered with the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association (GDAHA) to create a Community Health Worker (CHW) program within the organization. CHWs work to address the unmet needs of neighbors experiencing food insecurity through multiple access points. The CHW team also supports reentry programs and provides supervision for CHW trainees. This session will explore how the program operates within its mission and provides insight for agencies developing CHW programs.
10. The Impact of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the Workplace and Employer Supports
Presenter: Amber Malott, Sr. Vice President of Programming, Women Helping Women
Summary: This training will cover the frequency and impact of gender-based violence on workplace productivity and safety, as well as key strategies for employers to reduce its effects, improve access to support services, and enhance productivity, staff retention, and workplace culture.
11. AI in Action: Enhancing CHW Training & Hub Operations
Presenters: Bettie Johnson, Dameta Wright, MSOL
Summary: This session explores how AI is being used in CHW training, referral management, and Hub operations. Participants will learn about AI-driven tools like training assistants, FAQ agents, and chatbots, along with key considerations for security, HIPAA compliance, and ethical use.
