Professional Development Resources

Overview

The following resources include potential options for Community Health Workers to access free or low-cost professional development opportunities and links to organizations that may offer professional development opportunities.

Note: Neither the Department nor the CHW Program has reviewed or evaluated the content of these professional development opportunities or websites.

Webinars

Navigating Medicare and Maximizing Benefits

The Maryland Department of Aging presented a webinar on understanding and navigating Medicare, including Parts A, B, C, and D, and the benefit programs that can save money on the cost of Medicare. Information was provided on partnering with the local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides free, local, and unbiased Medicare counseling to older adults, their families, and caregivers.

Recording: Navigating Medicare and Maximizing Benefits (English)
Recording: Navigating Medicare and Maximizing Benefits (Spanish)

Organizations with Free Professional Development Options

American Heart Association

A training for Community Health Workers (CHWs) that provides resources, tools, and information. It aims to empower CHWs with knowledge and connections to strengthen community clinical linkages and improve blood pressure outcomes.

Breast Cancer University

The Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) has been a pioneer in providing comprehensive and compassionate support to patients with breast cancer and their families.

Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity

Through training, coaching, and technical assistance, the Center provides behavioral health practitioners with vital information to address disparities affecting LGBTQ+ people across all stages of life.

Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI)

IPHI develops multi-sector partnerships and innovative solutions to improve the public's health and well-being across the DMV.

Maryland Behavioral Health Integration in Pediatric Primary Care (BHIPP)

BHIPP provides in-person and web-based training and educational opportunities.

MDBehavioralHealth.com
An online training site hosted by the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Developed in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration, Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Services, the site provides training to individuals interested in supporting the behavioral health of youth and their families.

Mental Health Association of Maryland

Webinars and courses help individuals improve their understanding of mental health, learn how to recognize symptoms, identify community resources, and link people to treatment.

NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Webinars are designed for Community Health Workers. Find information on adult learning principles to motivate behavior change and enhance heart health. Some training and resources are available in Spanish.

Pathfinders for Autism

List free educational events and interactive workshops.

Population Health Leadership Series - Thomas Jefferson University

The Population Health Leadership Series (PHLS) offers live face-to-face and virtual educational programs that can be customized to meet the unique needs of healthcare professionals.

Public Health Learning Navigator

The National Network of Public Health Institutes includes the Public Health Learning Navigator as a resource to access free, peer-reviewed online learning opportunities.

SAMHSA Practitioner Training & Technical Assistance

SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) practitioner training portal offers tools, training, and technical assistance to practitioners in mental health and substance use disorders.

Virtual Dementia Capability Training

This resource is made available by the Maryland Department of Aging. The training consists of eight short modules that may be viewed at your convenience.