Nebraska Community Health Worker

• Serves as a liaison/link between public health, health care, behavioral health services, social services and the comm​unity to assist individuals and communities in adopting healthy behaviors;
• Conducts outreach that promotes and improves individual and community health; and
• Facilitates access to services, decreases health disparities, and improves the quality and cultural competence of service delivery in Nebraska.
  

A CHW is a trusted member of, or has good understanding of, the community they serve. They are able to build trusting relationships and are able to link individuals with the systems of care in the communities they serve. A CHW also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy. CHW is an umbrella term used to define other professional titles. 
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Reports and Documents​

The Nebraska Community Health Worker / Promotores Collaborative 

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In 2021 the Nebraska Title V Maternal and Child Health Bl​ock Grant program at DHHS formed the CHW Consultant-Trainer Cadre by contracting with eleven experienced Community Health Worker leaders in Nebraska. 

The purpose of the CHW Consultant-Trainer Cadre is to provide leadership in CHW workforce development activities in Nebraska.  The Cadre will:

• Provide consultation to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, Title V MCH Block Grant.
• Create communication, networking, and recognition opportunities for Nebraska CHW, growing the community of CHW.
• Provide continuing education/professional development to CHW on timely and relevant topics.
• Contribute to sustainability planning for the CHW workforce in Nebraska.
• Advocate for the unique and profes​sional role of the CHW contributing to positive health outcomes and equity in the population. 
  
  

​​2021 Sessions

• 06/30/2021: Women's Health 101 for CHW
  
• 10/13/2021: Medicaid Expansion
  
• 11/18/2021: CHW and Asthma
  
• 12/16/2021: Resource and Networking Tools for CHWs ​
  

2022 Sessions

• ​03/03/2022: CHWs and Depression​
  
• 04/13/2022: CHW Responding to Anxiety and Non-Suicidal Self Injury​​
  

See all recorded sessions in the online classroom at Answe​rs 4 Families​

Registration to use the classes is required, user key is free​ and contact information is not shared. 

​Community Health Worker Awards​

​The Division of Public Health's Community Health Worker Cadre is excited to recognize Community Health Workers and the efforts they have made to help communities and individuals access the care and services they need, providing social support, and advocacy.

2022

• Jessica Fagot - CHW Outstanding Service Award
• Samantha Lindstrom - CHW Making A Difference Award
• MaxCine Jackson - CHW Champion Award​
  
  

2024

• Outstanding Service Award - ​Lulu Bakyaw, Community Health Worker at Douglas County Health Department
  
• Making a Difference Award - Jordan Cedillo, Community Health Worker at Douglas County Health Department
  
• Health Equity Award - Elodie Koffi, Refugee Navigator, CHI Health Partners
  

Lul​u Bakyaw was given the Outstanding Service Award because of her exceptional work with her community.  Lulu immigrated to this country and is able to understand the challenges other families face coming to the United States.  The people in her community trust her and reach out to her day and night for help from everything from newborn questions, parenting issues, legal assistance, landlord challenges, and much more.  In 2022, she became a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Facilitator, and has spent countless hours translating DPP curriculum for those that speak Burmese and Karen.  She even participated in a raccoon bait distribution innitiative due to an unusual rabies case at the end of 2023.  The person that nominated Lulu wanted us to know that Lulu is the most humble and kind person you will ever meet; she doesn't seek recognition for the tireless work she does.

Jordan Cedillo​ was given the Making a Difference Award because of his stellar work with the youth in his community.  Jordan's work aims to reduce youth stigma around mental health, and that not all therapy is done in an office setting.  Jordan built a pilot program that took 9 youth from North Omaha and introduced them to alternative forms of therapies, including art therapy, eco therapy, and equine theray.  After receiving positive results of the program, he is working towards expanding the program into other areas of Omaha.  He has taken a big step towards how we can serve our communities by destigmatizing seeking out mental health therapies.  The person that nominated Jordan wanted us to know that Jordan has shown outstanding leadership and they are grateful that he is a part of their team.

Elodie Koffi was given the Health Equity Award because of her remarkable work with the refugees she serves in her community.  Lulu shows compassion and caring, she is able to relate to the underserved population through her own personal and professional experiences.  Elodie is a strong advocate for those around her, doing all that she can to rectify injustices or disservices around her.  She is a intrical part of the success for the refugee population in her community, and does all that she can to ensure that their needs are met and secured.  The people that nominated Elodie wanted us to know that they are honored to have her as a part of their team and their community.

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For more information and to join our mailing list please contact us at DHHS.MCASHFeedback@nebraska.gov with "Subscribe" in the subject line.​