What a turnout!
Presented on the New England Public Health Training Center platform on Nov. 4th, this MACHW interactive workshop supports CHWs as they strive to serve their clients during these challenging times. Moderated by MACHW’s very own Regional Consultant, Jamie Berberena, this workshop featured subject matter expert, Hythia Phifer (left), a mental health therapist and clinical consultant, who presented case studies on critical issues from across Massachusetts.

A trauma-informed approach to care is necessary to transform health care. Working on the frontlines, Community Health Workers (CHWs) are public health professionals who simultaneously build on the strengths and resilience of themselves and the communities they serve. CHWs provide supportive care to trauma survivors across various behavioral health spectrums; including grief, loss, substance use and mental health services.

CHWs learned the impact that traumatic experiences have on individuals, families, and communities and examined the parallels of caring for ourselves as we care for our clients. Goals included exploring the building of a community collective that is strength-based, and fosters safe and compassionate spaces that encourage resilience. Takeaways from the workshop included:

• Defining trauma in your own words
• Identifying triggers and how to recognize our own traumas
• Prevent and manage traumatic stress when it arises

This workshop is in such demand, MACHW is planning additional workshops on this topic in the near future! Visit our web site for upcoming dates at www.machw.org.