Applications for the 2023 Community Health Champions program will open in May.
To learn more about the Community Health Champions Program, contact Christian Nelson at Christian.Nelson@centralhealth.net.
Community Health Champions is an annual Central Health program that brings together diverse community members from across Travis County to learn about, discuss, and collaborate on our work to improve the health of Central Texas.
Through a five-month workshop series, participants learn about the health care system for Travis County residents with low income and how Central Health and its partners come together to address health disparities.
Health Champions are challenged to think outside of their individual realities to become advocates for health care access and equity in their own communities.
Why you should join the program
WHO SHOULD JOIN
If you are committed to improving the health of your community, a resident of Travis County, and interested in learning and growing your knowledge and network in the health care field, we encourage you to apply.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
- Network with local health care leaders
- Become an ambassador of Central Health to improve community health
- Gain an up-close look at transforming our health care delivery system
- Foster relationships for future opportunities to collaborate on major health initiatives
TIME COMMITMENT
Once a month meeting (August-December) to discuss a variety of topics related to the health disparities and the health care system in Travis County. Workshops will be held in-person and members must attend at least 3 out of 5 to receive a certificate of completion. Make-up activities will be available for up to two absences.
Meet Community Health Champions Alumni
Ricardo A. Garay
Ricardo A. Garay serves as a program manager for the community engagement and health equity team under the Department of Population Health. He also serves as a facilitator for Dell Medical School’s Community Strategy Team and serves as an advocate for community health workers in Central Texas.
Nora de Hoyos Comstock
Nora de Hoyos Comstock, Ph.D., is an entrepreneur, business leader, and pioneer in utilizing social media to build a community for Latinas. Nora believes that education, which translates into hope and opportunity, is the single most important factor that can transform lives.
Maram Museitif
Maram Museitif is a public health and health care professional with more than 10 years of experience working in large research, academic, and government health settings, and has a solid understanding of the challenges facing health care delivery in the United States and globally.
Amit Motwani
Amit Motwani was appointed to the Central Health Board of Managers by Travis County and the City of Austin in November of 2020. His participation in Central Health's Community Health Champions program in 2017 provided him with a thorough understanding of the complexities around providing healthcare for Travis County residents with low income.
PROGRAM CURRICULUM
HEALTH EQUITY TRAINING
This training helps participants understand how historical and current cultural conditions, policies, and practices link to social inequities which link to health disparities. Through the training, Health Champions create an open environment where they can discuss concerns about and ideas for addressing systemic inequities and the impact on the local community.
WORKSHOP I
Introduction to the Central Health Enterprise
Health Champions will become familiar with the Central Health Enterprise, including the process of establishing coverage through Sendero Health Plans and Medical Access Programs (MAP and MAP Basic) as well as the eligibility criteria and benefits for these programs.WORKSHOP II
Health Equity Plan & Budget
Health Champions will learn how Central Health partners with health care providers to ensure a robust network for the Medical Access Program (MAP and MAP Basic) members. This includes learning how Central Health identifies gaps and expands services for Travis County residents with low income. Additionally, this workshop provides insight on the upcoming fiscal year budget and its development process.WORKSHOP III
Social Conditions
Health Champions will learn how the Central Health Enterprise addresses social conditions for Travis County residents with low income, and the many ways they can influence organizations like Central Health to better address health inequities either through their personal or their professional livesWORKSHOP IV
Federally Qualified Health Centers
Health Champions do a deep dive on federally qualified health centers with a particular emphasis on CommUnityCare Health Centers and its most recent health equity initiatives.WORKSHOP V
Community Outreach & Engagement
Health Champions will learn how Central Health works to engage directly with community members and involve residents in the planning, implementation and evaluation of Central Health projects, as well as keeping the community informed on services and health & wellness resources throughout Travis county.PROGRAM SCHEDULE
| WORKSHOP I & HEALTH EQUITY TRAINING | August TBD | 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m. |
| WORKSHOP II | September TBD | 2:30 p.m. -5 p.m. |
| WORKSHOP III | October TBD |2:30 p.m.-5 p.m. |
| WORKSHOP IV | November TBD | 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m. |
| WORKSHOP V | November TBD | 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m. |
| ANNUAL CELEBRATION | December TBD |
