29 New Graduates Join the Ranks of Community Healthy Leaders

29 New Graduates Join the Ranks of Community Healthy Leaders

The second cohort of the Community Health Worker Certification Program has officially graduated!

Twenty-nine participants completed the intensive 13-week training, building on the success of our inaugural group and expanding the network of trusted health advocates ready to serve Fresno County.

Skills That Strengthen the Community and Economy

Community health workers are the vital bridge between healthcare systems and the individuals who need them most. They are trusted leaders, educators, and advocates who understand the unique cultural and social dynamics of the neighborhoods they serve.

Our second cohort took on an updated curriculum designed around the emerging health priorities of our region. In addition to core skills, participants focused on chronic disease prevention, health resources, and environmental health factors affecting Central Valley neighborhoods.

Over the course of the program, these 29 graduates immersed themselves in rigorous training, developing competencies in health education, community advocacy, care coordination, and public health resources.

Many participants balanced full-time jobs and family responsibilities to complete this rigorous schedule. They are entering the workforce equipped to address the specific language and cultural needs of our diverse communities, filling a vital gap between residents and primary care providers.

As California continues to integrate community health workers into managed care systems, these graduates are stepping into a rapidly growing field.

Scaling the Vision for Fresno County

Our training model thrives because of deep-rooted collaboration. We extend our gratitude to Fresno State’s Central Valley Health Policy Institute (CVHPI), Cultiva La Salud, and Friends of Calwa for their enduring commitment to this program.

With this second cycle, our partnership matured from a pilot project into an efficient workforce pipeline. CVHPI integrated the latest public health data into the classroom, while Cultiva La Salud provided valuable hands-on field experience in community engagement. Friends of Calwa maintained the vital neighborhood connections that keep this training grounded in real-life experience.

With two successful cohorts now graduated, the program is demonstrating measurable regional impact. Recruitment is open for our third cohort.

Our objective remains clear: to build a sustainable workforce of certified community health workers reflecting the demographics of the neighborhoods they serve. By shifting the focus of care toward neighborhood-based prevention and support, we are actively reshaping the economic and physical health of Fresno County.

To the new graduates of the Community Health Worker Certification Program:

We honor your dedication, we celebrate your success, and we stand behind you as you begin your next chapter.

Congratulations!

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Community Health Worker Certification Program Graduation

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