As part of this collaborative initiative, led by Dr. Renee Cadzow of D'Youville University, PCRI's role is to create an advanced community health worker (CHW) training for workforce in research and in primary care using a participatory approach. This training will follow guidelines set forth by CoNECT: The Community Health Network of Buffalo and the Patient Voices Network.

Renee Cadzow, PhD (Department of Health Administration and Public Health, D'Youville University)

Gina Prescott, PharmD (Principal Investigator; Department of Pharmacy Practice)
Sarahmona Przybyla, PhD (Co-Investigator; Department of Community Health and Health Behavior)
Laurene Tumiel-Berhalter, PhD (Co-Investigator, Department of Family Medicine)

Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) - [9/15/2022 - 9/14/2025]

With the overall goal of expanding and enhancing both the existing and upcoming public health workforce, this project has several aims. First, we will offer specialized training with newly-developed or enhanced existing curricula to increase the skills and competencies of community health workers (CHWs) and health support workers, while offering financial support to offset expenses that would impede success in training. Second, we will improve CHW employment readiness and opportunities by facilitating apprenticeships within a network of partnerships. Third, this project will advance health equity and support for underserved communities by increasing the number of CHWs and health support workers that are employed in integrated care teams that use their expanded skills to reduce health disparities. PCRI will be involved in curriculum development for CHWs and the evaluation of the program.

Active

• The Buffalo Community Health Worker Training Program
• CoNECT