Kathy Murphy of United Interfaith Action (UIA) has convened a series of meeting designed to move the development of a career path for community health workers in Southeastern Massachusetts. One recent meeting took place on February 4th, 2013 at First Baptist Church and the other on February 6th at the Bristol Community College Center for Workforce and Community Education at the Commonwealth Landing on Davol Street in Fall River. Each of the meetings is moving a steering committee toward a better understanding of the potential roles for CHWs in medical and community settings and the possible routes for training of new workers. The discussion topics have included job-training, demonstration projects, integrating GEDs or high school diplomas with CHW training, and sources of funding for workforce development. UIA has already been involved in an initial project to provide Basic Level Training for a small group and plans to reach out through local parishes to identify others with an interest. For more information about UIA, contact Kathy Murphy at 508-673-4670.
 

(Top row) United Interfaith Action representatives Lou Finfer and Kathy Murphy, First Baptist Church pastor Rev. Donald Mier and Leadership SouthCoast Executive Director Michael Metzler help to lead the discussion. (Row two, left) Father Marc Fallon makes a point as Nicolas Cuterez-Martin and Immigrants Assistance Center Director Helena Marques listen. (Row two, right) Southeast Area Department of Public Health Regional Director Ron O'Connor and Southcoast Hospitals Community Benefits Manager Kerry Mello sit across from community health workers Linda Mae and Leonard Pittsley. (Row three) Odete Amarelo, Kathy Murphy and Mike Metzler meet with Dean Carmen Aguilar of the Center for Workforce and Community Education. (Bottom row, left) Mr. Metzler and Ms. Amarelo listen as Margarita Guedes, Director for Community Education and Non-Credit Programs offers some suggestions.