Promotores of South Texas Training Institute

The AHEC Promotores of South Texas Training Institute is certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) as a certified Community Health Worker (CHW) Training program. The program was developed to train CHWs/Promotores to help bridge the healthcare gap for our rural and underserved communities with an overarching goal of a healthier community. The program is headquartered at the South Coastal AHEC and is directed by Belinda Flores.

Opportunities offered include: 160-hour CHW Certification course and continuing education programming, in both English and Spanish, tailored to meet the needs of the community. The program is available in 26 counties serviced by Southwest Border AHEC, LRGV AHEC and South Coastal AHEC.

Upon graduation from the CHW Certification Program, certified community health workers have worked in a variety of settings including:

• Health promotion projects
• County health departments
• Hospitals and clinics
• Non-profit organizations

For more information, contact Belinda Flores by email at FloresB3@uthscsa.edu or 361-881-8133

What is a Community Health Worker (CHW) / Promotores De Salud?
A Community Health Worker (CHW) who, with or without compensation, is a liaison and provides cultural mediation between health care, social services and the community. A promotor(a) or community health worker: is a trusted member, and has a close understanding of, the ethnicity, language, socio-economic status, and life experiences of the community served. A promotor(a) or community health worker assists people to gain access to needed services and builds individual, community, and system capacity. They help increase health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, patient navigation and follow-up, community health education and information, informal counseling, social support, advocacy, and participation in clinical research.

Texas CHW Certification Requirements
Community Health Workers (CHWs), or promotores de salud, are non-medical public health workers who connect communities to health care and social service providers. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) established the CWH program, in accordance with Health and Safety Code Chapter 48, to operate a program designed to train and educate persons who act as promotoras or CHWs.

CHWs demonstrate skills in the eight core competencies and must meet the following certification requirements:
• Texas resident
• Must be 16 year old
• Training – Completion of an approved DSHS certified 160-hour competency-based Community Health Worker training program. OR Experience – At least 1000 cumulative hours of community health work services within the most recent three (3) years. Experience will be verified with the supervisor(s) noted in the application.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
• Courses: In-person and ZOOM
• 160-hour curriculum
• All 8 competencies will be covered: Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Service coordination, Capacity Building, Advocacy Skills, Teaching Skills, Organizational Skills and Knowledge
• 40 lessons – 5 lessons for each of the competencies required by the state.
• Homework – There will be homework that will be assigned.
• Participation – This is an interactive course. You will be required to input and share ideas and thoughts with the class.
• Presentation – A final presentation will be required to be given orally.
• State Application – All state paperwork will be due by the end of the course and will be submitted for certification.
• Classes – Class times will vary but will be determined by the class start date.
• Completion – Participants will be presented with a completion certificate.

Testimonials

“Being a Health Agent with AgriLife Extension Service in a small rural area, becoming a certified health worker was something I knew I needed to accomplish. After getting certified, I am more knowledgeable, know how to address certain scenarios, and am just overall a better employee!” ~ Anna Vela, CHW

“Lo que ha significado para mí desempeñarme como Promotora de Salud ha sido más que un trabajo, se ha convertido en mi propósito de vida. Siento gran satisfacción personal al apoyar a las personas de la comunidad a conectarse con los servicios de Salud y que las personas puedan a la vez crear hábitos de vida más saludables. Además el desempeñarme como Promotora de Salud ha despertado en mí la necesidad de continuar preparándome para servir más y mejor a la comunidad.” (“What it has meant for me to serve as a Community Health Worker (Promotora de Salud) has been more than just a job—it has become my life’s purpose. I feel great personal satisfaction in helping people in the community connect with health services and in supporting them to develop healthier lifestyle habits. Additionally, working as a Promotora de Salud has awakened in me the desire to continue learning so that I can serve the community more effectively and meaningfully.”) ~ Nora Hilda Velázquez Alvarado, CHW

“Becoming officially certified gave me the opportunity to connect with other CHWs, to learn different techniques, and to grow as a professional dedicated to serving others. I mainly serve elderly individuals and low-income families, guiding them through vital services such as wills, IRS assistance, and community programs that offer bill or health support. At the end of every long day…my greatest reward is knowing that I was able to guide at least one person on their journey. That feeling reminds me why I do this work: because helping others is not just a job, it’s a calling. The true key to success as a CHW is empathy… That’s what keeps our community strong, united, and full of hope.” ~ Yuditt Ann Resendez Espinoza, CHW

“I enrolled in the Community Health Worker (CHW) program with LRGV AHEC as I wanted to strengthen my ability to serve my community and better understand the CHW role after the completion of my MPH. This program refined my awareness on the prominent health disparities affecting the Rio Grande Valley and I learned various strategies to support individuals from diverse backgrounds with empathy and cultural humility. The CHW program offered vital local resources as we reviewed culturally relevant material. Ms. Juana Escareño provided exceptional support and kept us learners engaged in each session. Thanks to this program, I feel confident connecting with my community and I will carry forth this mindset in my future healthcare career.” ~ Najlah Karam, CHW

“I work as a Community Outreach Worker for an agency serving older adults in Eagle Pass, Texas. Becoming a CHW has helped me become more involved and understand the needs and care of older adults better. Through my CHW training, I have helped to improve senior care by building trust, connecting them with resources, advocating for their needs and providing social support.” ~ Brenda Lira, CHW

“I live in Crystal City, Texas where I serve as a state-certified Community Health Worker. I truly enjoy each and every CHW training I attend, as they enrich my knowledge to share with the local community. Last year, I became a Community Health Worker Instructor because I want to further my own knowledge skills as well as to increase the knowledge of others. I would like to give a special thanks to each and every one of the instructors, who share their knowledge with joy and dedication. Southwest Border AHEC has transformed my life through education, support, teaching, and experiences that challenge us to grow and advocate for ourselves and those in need.” ~ Maria Consuelo “Conny” Balderas, CHW, CHWI

“Thanks to Southwest Border AHEC, I became a CHW, which has significantly changed my perspective of the physical and mental health developments of my son, who has autism. Furthermore, I have established a support network for mothers of neurodiverse children, where we share information about health-related issues and explore new therapies for our children.” ~ Cecilia Cardenas, CHW

“Completing the Community Health Worker training at Southwest Border AHEC truly changed my life. It gave me the knowledge and confidence to support families in Eagle Pass and connect them with essential health resources. I learned how to promote preventive care, address mental health concerns, and help others navigate the healthcare system. Building on that foundation, the CHW Instructor training deepened my understanding and allowed me to share what I’ve learned with others who want to make a difference. Now, I not only serve my community directly but also help prepare new CHWs to continue this important work. Southwest Border AHEC has empowered me to create a lasting impact on individual lives and the overall health of our region.” ~ Maria Eugenia Rodriguez, CHW, CHWI

“Agradecida ante todo con Douth Texas AHEC y con Ms. Juanita Escareno por la opportunist de certificarme como community outreach worker, gracias a ustedes hoy tengo trabajo y lo mejor de todo puedo ayudar a mi comunidad a guiar a las diferentes opciones de Salud y de ayuda existentes en nuestra area a todo aquel que lo necesita. I have 60 years old and I have the opportunity to continue to help others like me, to try for a better and happy life! Thank you and always thank you for everything!” ~ Juanita García, CHW

“Receiving my CHW certification and training has given me the confidence to advocate for my community.” ~ Carmen Acosta, CHW

“For my first time taking the CHW training, I did not know what to expect; in fact, I was a bit nervous. As the instructors started, my nerves calmed down as I was tuned into the information they were giving us. The whole training was not what I expected; I came out more well-informed on a topic I had just heard about. Day 1 was a cinch, and felt as if we were done in no time.” ~ Amy De La Garza, CHW

“I just want to say that my experience with the CHW course I took was great. The information and materials that were provided and the knowledge of the instructor, as well as the enthusiasm, made me want to become the best CHW I could be. I appreciate how we could all come together and share our experiences, as well as getting great advice from our instructor on how to be a great CHW. Taking this course has helped me take this knowledge and advance in my current job as a CHW. I highly recommend that people take the CHW course and, if possible, have the same instructor as I did to receive the best advice to further their career.” ~ Marcie Wright-Stejskal, CHW