Empowering Communities Through the Work of CHWs

August is Immunization Awareness Month—a time to highlight the importance of vaccination across the lifespan and the role of disease prevention and screening in maintaining community health. Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in educating individuals and communities about the benefits of immunizations and improving health literacy to increase vaccine confidence. As trusted members of the community, CHWs are uniquely positioned to address barriers to care and improve health outcomes through targeted outreach and culturally relevant education, not only in closing immunization gaps but also in disease prevention and screening.

Practice Transformation Institute (PTI) CHW Program, approved by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), offers seven (7) full-day training sessions covering Public Health and Health Literacy, Healthy Lifestyles, Screening and Prevention, Chronic Conditions, and Behavioral Health.

These sessions provide CHWs with a strong foundation in public health, focusing on their essential role in addressing community health needs. Training topics include public health, research methods for identifying community health needs, and the importance of health literacy. CHWs also receive education on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, oral and sensory health, and preventive services, like cancer and communicable disease screenings. Additionally, chronic conditions sessions identify how the Chronic Care Model facilitates behavior change in individuals with chronic conditions and explore behavioral health concepts, including mental health, cultural stigma, and life-cycle impacts. Health disparities, inequities, and barriers to care are central themes woven throughout these sessions and this training program.

Don’t Miss out, Our Next CHW Training Registration is Now Open
September 25, 2025 – February 19, 2026
Thursdays | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Live Virtual)
Learners will receive 0.6 IACET CEUs per session

To learn more about our program, register for Session Zero

Link to register: https://transformcoach.wufoo.com/forms/zbdij0ezl4zc/

 

Community Health Worker Sustainability Program

Did you know providers can bill Medicaid, Medicare, and select Michigan payers for CHW services? If your billing staff or revenue cycle team isn't yet familiar with the reimbursement process, it's time to start the conversation.

CHWs are an indispensable part of healthcare, social services, and community organizations. With the right training, CHWs can develop core competencies while helping your practice achieve financial sustainability. But how do we ensure their continued integration and sustainability? What sources are available to reimburse the services they provide to sustain their role within an organization or provider practice?

This new two-part program will explore just that, and more by covering the following:  

·        Identify services for which a CHW can bill, along with the payer enrollment process

·        Explain the link between ICD-10-CM codes and reporting health conditions

·        Discuss how ICD-10-CM Z codes are used to pinpoint social determinants of health (SDOH)

·        Clarify the documentation needed to bill for CHW services

·        Identify billing codes approved for CHW payment by the primary payers in Michigan

This live virtual program will be in two parts on August 14 and August 21, 2025, from 9 AM – 1 PM. PTI is authorized by IACET to offer 0.8 CEUs for this program after completion.

Link to register: https://web.cvent.com/event/d6393617-f390-461e-acf9-70c2f942033f/summary

2024 Community Health Worker Advisory Council Final Report

MDHHS has released the 2024 Community Health Worker Advisory Council Final Report, which outlines a framework for statewide CHW certification and expands on the Medicaid reimbursement policy (MMP 23-74).

This report, based on the 2023 CHW Subcommittee's work, showcases Michigan’s commitment to a sustainable and impactful CHW workforce, further aligning with the state’s Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Strategy. CHWs continue to serve as essential bridges between healthcare systems and communities, advancing equity and access at every level.

View Full Report
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/Inside-MDHHS/Policy-and-Planning/Social-Determinants-of-Health-Strategy/CHW-Advisory-Council-Final-Report-FINAL-0715.pdf?hash=859D7E4069802A02F255269AD4F992F9&rev=73fb11faaf654477a4c7b534e397bd24&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Get Involved

Whether you’re a provider, administrator, or aspiring CHW, PTI offers comprehensive training and education programs tailored to your needs. Visit our website or contact us directly to learn more!

Together, we can empower the next generation of Community Health Workers—and strengthen the health of every Michigan community.