Recognizing the life-changing potential of South Piedmont Community College’s new Community Health Worker program, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Monroe will pay for up to 10 of its parishioners to take the course.
“We believe this will be an outstanding investment not only in the individuals who choose to participate, but also in the future of their families, our church, and our community,” said Father Benjamin Roberts, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Launching this summer, the Community Health Worker certification is comprised of 144 hours of instruction spread over 10 weeks. Once students complete the program, they will be prepared to work in a variety of settings, providing critical care and guidance to patients.
Everyday responsibilities of community health workers include advocating for community health needs, providing basic health education and outreach, connecting clients to health and social services, building cultural competency and communication skills, and supporting chronic disease prevention and management
Community health workers will find employment opportunities at hospitals, clinics, public health departments, nonprofits and social service agencies.
To enroll in the Community Health Worker program, students must have at least a high school diploma. The program will be offered entirely online and will cost $180.
Our Lady of Lourdes will reimburse the $180 cost of the course. All parishioners have to do is pay for the course and show the church staff their receipt, and they will be paid back in full
Roberts said the reason to make this program available to his parishioners are numerous.
For one, he explained, participating parishioners will be prepared for an in-demand career. Secondly, once they attend South Piedmont, they may gain the confidence they need to further their education. As he put it: “Once we open that door to education, anything can happen.”
Perhaps most important of all, parishioners who complete the program will be well versed in the healthcare system and will be able to help others in the church and throughout our community access and navigate healthcare resources.
“Ninety percent of our congregation is Hispanic by culture. They are facing health issues, language barriers, and trust issues in trying to access healthcare,” Roberts said.
“The ripple effects of having our parishioners participate in this program will be tremendous.”
For more information on the Community Health Worker program, visit South Piedmont’s self-registration portal.
For more information, visit the North Carolina Community Health Worker Association or contact f-williams@spcc.edu.