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In today's episode podcast host Tasha Whitaker announces the final episode of The CHW Crew Podcast. With over 6k podcast downloads and 50 episodes since launching the first episode on Dec.1, 2017, Tasha has shared the stories of a variety of  Community Health Workers/Promotoras guest from around the world. In these 4 years The CHW Crew has reached over 50 countries around the world, received positive reviews and given inspiration to many in the field of community public health. She has been invited to speak at the global Podfest Conference to share her experience as a podcaster in the space of building connectivity with guest not only online, but off as well building a sense of community. Even though the podcast has come to an end, that does not mean the work does. Tasha will still be active in providing professional development education for CHWs and other projects to come. The episodes will stay posted for you to listen to whenever you need that burst of inspiration. Stay connected on IG @thechwcrew. Shop www.thechwcrew.com Thank you everyone for your support over the years, please leave a message of inspiration of how the podcast has impacted you over the years. You can leave a review here:https://ratethispodcast.com/thechwcrew 

Today we travel to Michigan to hear from Shannon Lijewski, MBA, CHCEF. She is a Michigan native who loves spending time with her family outdoors in Northern Michigan. She has spent the past 15 years serving the most vulnerable community members through outreach, education, health policy and advocacy. Passionate about community impact, Shannon is a strong advocate in supporting the expansion of Community Health Workers, assisting those who are experiencing homelessness and helping to eliminate food insecurity. She is the CEO at Everyday Life Consulting & Founder of The Rural Community Health Worker Network & The “I AM A CHW” Campaign. EDL is a consulting firm that focuses on building individual, organization and community capacity to address social determinants of health through clinical-community linkages and CHW sustainability.Connect With Shannon:https://www.rchwn.org/  https://www.everydaylifechw.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonlijewski Connect with The CHW Crew:Shop The CHW Crew: https://thechwcrew.com/Leave a review of the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/thechwcrew 

 In this amazing podcast interview with Kandis Draw located in Chicago, Illinois we discuss: ✔ The role of a CHW in hospice care ✔ Importance of Self Care as a caregiver ✔Difference between palliative care and hospice care ✔ Importance of African American Representation in Cancer Advocacy ✔Why CHWs are Essential to healthcareTune in for podcast episode #48 for an authentic conversation on the topic, "Working in hospice care . In her role with Journey Care, which is the largest non profit hospice palliative care provider in the state of Illinois she  provides care for adults and children.  Kandis is a Kandis Draw is a Community Health Worker, national cancer advocate and blogger and serves on two Associate Boards -AIDS Foundation of Chicago, and Gilda's Club Chicago.  Read Kandis blog :https://tinaswish.org/kandis-draw/ Connect with organization work: Journey Care: https://journeycare.org/. Advanced Care Planning Page, where it explains in further detail about how to get a 5 wishes copy. https://journeycare.org/advance-care-planning/. Gilda’s Club Chicago Cancer Support Community: https://www.gildasclubchicago.org/.Rate, review and subscribe to the podcast!  www.thechwcrew.com

 The podcast summer break is over and we are back with a new episode ending out June!  In this amazing podcast interview with Phillip Cooper aka Change Agent  located in Ashville, North Carolina we discuss: ✔ The journey of recovery ✔ Evolving into who you are meant to be  ✔Commitment to the People ✔Why CHWs are Essential to healthcareTune in for podcast episode #47 for an authentic conversation where  on the topic, "Committed to the people " and why he is so passionate about this! Phillip Cooper is a Certified Peer Support Specialist, Community Health Worker and holds a Human Services Associate Degree. In his role he addresses barriers to employment for  people in poverty and those coming home from prison. They provide wraparound services for people and advocate for them to be gainfully employed with the necessary skills that they need. Phillip serves on the WNC Community Health Worker Steering Committee and an advocate in his community. Connect With Phillip: IG@change_agent_cooperLearn about his work:https://www.ymiculturalcenter.org/ Rate, review and subscribe to the podcast! www.thechwcrew.com

Tune in as Tasha has a transparent conversation on the topic, "navigating a season of transition". She has personally been deep in the season of transition and is sharing some lessons she has learned and giving some encouragement to those in this season! Tune in to hear:✔Why Self care is essential✔What to do when you want to throw in the towel and quit✔Importance of having a crew✔ Trusting your inner voice✔ Vision for The CHW CrewRate, review and subscribe to the podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/thechwcrewShop apparel: www.thechwcrew.comCreatress Tickets:https://thecreatresssummit.brushfire.com/the-creatress-summit-2021/492725?promo=TWHITAKER Tasha Virtual Summit Session: https://umembahealthacademy.thinkific.com/courses/level-up-professional-development-course?ref=760936

 Growing up in West Texas or as known as "The Valley" Denise takes us through her journey of discovery of her interest in public health. As she is exploring she also realizing the importance of being authentically yourself no matter where you are planted and what your cultural background is. Denise is a CHW, CHW Instructor and has her Master's Degree in Public Health.  She is the training center manager and instructor for the National CHW Training Center at the School of Public Health, Texas A&M University. She leads a  team of CHWs across Texas to coordinate the instruction of certification courses and CEUs for CHWs and CHWIs; she also assist on research teams to provide insight on the utilization of CHWs. Her passion is to advocate on behalf of CHWs and she serve as a member and leadership with the TAPCHW and the APHA CHW Section. Connect: https://nchwtc.tamhsc.edu/__________________________________________________________________________________________________CHW Virtual Summit Tickets:https://umembahealthacademy.thinkific.com/courses/virtual-chw-summit-2021?ref=760936Shop Our CHW T Shirts: https://thechwcrewcollection.com/

Erica Hamlett is the Violence Prevention Coordinator for McElderry ParkSafe Streets  in her hometown of Baltimore, Md. As a Certified Community Health Worker and advocate she dedicates herself to whatever her community needs. Advocating for police reform, family substance abuse treatment, better medical care for those in lower class and black and brown communities, fair affordable housing and working to change community norms against violence. She is a peer (a person or individual with share life experiences) of those she serves. In some instances she may be able to relate which gives her a greater understanding and an eagerness to assist with resolutions, finding resources or through advocacy. She says she was born into this work as a CHW and how it translates to her is activism, advocacy, resource, mentor, violence prevention, care provider and more. In the future her goals are to lobby for bills on the states and congressional level. For reforms around family substance abuse treatment and support for children of those struggling with addiction/recovery. Create community programs that teach financial literacy, business, finances, art, homeownership, health and wellness. She enjoys writing traveling cooking music and making memories with her family. Community work is not work it’s always been my passion and what she loves.Connect with her: IG: https://www.instagram.com/mahoganybutterfli/McElderry ParkSafe Streets:https://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/center-for-prevention-of-youth-violence/field_reports/Safe_Streets.htmlFollow The CHW Crew @thechwcrew, subscribe, rate and review the podcast!

Today we speak with Leonard Webb, he is a retired law enforcement professional turned life coach/ youth advocate. He is the CEO of Webbolutionary Motivation LLC and  Leonard is also an adjunct faculty member teaching Criminal Justice at Potomac State College of West Virginia University.  He offers a unique perspective about the School to Prison Pipeline as well as solutions.  He has seen both ends of the pipeline.  He has seen young people enter his office in prison and young people with similar demographics enter his college classroom.  This led him to find out, “Why ?”.  He is the Summit Founder of Youth C.H.A.M.P Summit taking place Sat. Feb 20, 2021. To register for Free Youth C.H.A.M.P Summit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/youth-champ-summit-tickets-130752116099?aff=eprofsavedConnect with Leonard: https://webbolutionarymotivation.com/Purchase Your CHW Early Bird Virtual Summit Ticket:  http://bit.ly/3ctyF6nFollow The CHW Crew on IG @thechwcrewLeave a review, and subscribe to the podcast!Purchase CHW Merchandise: https://thechwcrewcollection.com/ 

Happy New Year 2021! We are back after the holiday break and have a lot to unpack!  As we start the new year I have found it beneficial to hit the reset button!  I will share a few tips that you can implement to help you on the journey of resetting for 2021. The Biden Plan for CHWs Article: https://medium.com/@JoeBiden/the-biden-plan-for-mobilizing-american-talent-and-heart-to-create-a-21st-century-caregiving-and-af5ba2a2dfebFollow us @thechwcrew on IG and FBShop our merchandise at www.thechwcrewcollection.comHost: www.tashawhitaker.comNACHW:https://nachw.org/Virtual CHW Summit:https://virtualchwsummit.thinkific.com/pages/about

Today Podcast Host Tasha shares about The Self Care Gift Exchange taking place Fri. Dec. 11, 2020 with fellow public health educators around the nation. We will spread some holiday cheer, network, get some self care tips and share some smiles. This is meant to uplift healthcare workers and exchange a self care gift to help aid in some time dedicated for themselves. Tasha  also share a new podcast format taking place for 2021, Covid19 awareness and the importance of Self Care. Thanks to the prize sponsors for the gifts for the Self Care Gift Exchange:🎁One lucky participant will win 1 product of @shopegotistical whipped Body Dew!! Leaving your skin mosturized during these winter months.🎁 Another lucky winner will leave with a Body Scrub item by @amiyas.glitz.n.glam that is sure to leave your skin soft as you relax in a nice bath.🎁The CHW Crew is also giving away a coffee mug with our signature tshirt logo. This way you can sip on your coffee and tea or favorite drink as an empowered CHW.Looking forward to getting together with the Crew this Friday for some smiles, self care tips and holiday cheer!🎉Follow us @thechwcrew on IG

Today we will hear from Pamela Alexander a Nurse Practitioner.  With the winter season around the corner and covid19 and flu season number increasing today she will share tips with us to be safe!Pamala has been a registered nurse for 16 years and a Family Nurse Practitioner for 7 years. She is also a CASA volunteer, an author, and a professional speaker. Pamela seeks to use her voice to present her stories of encouragement to all women, especially Black women in the areas of spiritual, emotional, and mental health.Pamela has earned an Associate of Science in Nursing degree from Our Lady Of the Lake College as well as a Baccalaureate and a Master's of Science in Nursing degree from Southeastern Louisiana University. She is certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Pamela resides in Louisiana with her fiance and their blended family of five children and a very precocious puppy named Levi. In her free time she enjoys traveling, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends. You can connect with PamelaIG: @pam_alexander_fnpcFB: Pamela J. AlexanderEmail: pwoodsrn@gmail.comPurchase your CHW Crew T Shirts: https://thechwcrewcollection.com/Follow: @thechwcrew

For the episode today we hear from Dr. Hernandez and her journey into the CHW field. She is a co-founder of DFW CHW Association one of the largest Associations in Texas serving CHWs and Promotoras. She speaks about her journey of public health, how to start an association, the importance of diversity in leadership and also shares transparency of her own struggles of self care. You will want to grab your notes and get in a quite place to soak in all the realness of this episode!Denise A. Hernandez, PhD, MPH, CHWI Denise A. Hernandez received her PhD from the College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs (CAPPA) in Public and Urban Administration at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). She earned her Master of Public Health from the Texas A&M School of Public Health, and a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health from Texas A&M University. Her research focuses on the incorporation of Community Health Workers (CHWs) to bridge the gap between the patient and health care system, as well as CHW workforce development. Her passion for addressing the needs of under-resourced communities has led her to focus on the impact of CHWs in vulnerable populations. As such, Denise is a founding member of the DFW Community Health Worker Association for which she currently serves as the as the President on the Board of Directors. She has also worked as a CHW instructor and CHW ally for nine years. Denise currently teaches in the Public Health program at UTA and continues working to strengthen the support for the CHW workforce through research and policy.Website for DFW CHW Association: https://dfwchw.org/Connect With Denise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-hernandez-ph-d-mph-chwi-6a89a19a/Leave an apple review of podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-c-h-w-crew-podcast/id1329112743Connect with The CHW Crew:IG @thechwcrew     FB: The CHW CrewShop CHW Tshirts:www.thechwcrewcollection.com 

Follow @thechwcrew and subscribe to the podcast and leave a review!Today we hear from Bre Williams Founder of Curvy By Nature.Born in Okinawa, Japan and raised in Fort Worth, Texas her passion for people is as dynamic as her birthplace and hometown. Bre's initial passion for working with youth inspired her to become an organizer, advocate and mentor. Throughout her years as a speaker and facilitator she had the pleasure of working with youth and adults across the United States, Canada, Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Tanzania! From local initiatives to international service learning trips she is dedicated to providing a space for people to recognize their passion and use it to create change in the world. She is elated to connect with diverse groups of people by way of humor, music, movement, and fun all in the form of storytelling (aka motivational speaking). Recently she fulfilled a lifelong dream of being a published author. Check out her chapter Rainbow Feather's Rise in the She is the Ish anthology!Website: https://www.iambrewilliams.com/Register For Event:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/curvy-x-nature-the-chw-crew-hike-tickets-123502454165

Follow Us @thechwcrew Mercedes Cruz-Ruiz is a passionate CHW and CHW Instructor. She has Served the community for 28 years in the field of government funded programs. As a Community Health Educator for the past 13 years and have taught over 1700 health education workshops. State teaching approvals in various CHW training institutes in Tarrant and Harris counties. Planned, coordinated and participated in hundredths of events and campaigns such as the GO Red for Woman and implemented the childhood obesity initiative Activate Kids. She is the Owner of Healthy Bridge 4 You and has been awarded many awards over the years such as Aetna Healthcare Equity Champion 2013 and Macy’s Life Style change Award 2018. Connect With Mercedes:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedes-cruz-ruiz-62b62b21/  Upcoming Conferences Mentioned: https://dfwchw.org/ https://www.tapchw.org/ http://visionycompromiso.org/ Attend Podcast Masterclass: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/podfest-masterclass-virtual-summit-tickets-120276511283?aff=PodfestMasterclass&afu=77708948369 Purchase The CHW Crew Collection T Shirts: https://thechwcrewcollection.com/ 

Get connected and follow @thechwcrew on IG and FB! Omar Jones is a Certified Registered Community Health Worker with Great Lakes Bay Health Centers in Saginaw, MI where he also serves as chairperson of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, leads the Health Literacy Taskforce subcommittee, and is a member of the HIV Task Force. Omar also serves as a Prime For Life Prevention Intervention Specialist with Women Of Colors. He is currently a student at Arkansas Baptist College pursing a Bachelor of Art degree in Urban Community Leadership and Human Services. He is also a Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance Institute For Leaders c/o 2020 member. Omar is a licensed interfaith missionary and humanitarian with over 15 years of experience. Omar serves on the board of directors for Keys Of Hope Foundation, Keys To BeGenius, volunteers as a mentor at the READ Association of Saginaw County, member of the Michigan Community Health Worker Alliance steering committee for Education & Workforce, and member of the Fordney Club of Saginaw County. Connect with Omar: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarsjones/  Resource: https://www.keysofhopefoundation.com/ Upcoming Conferences Mentioned: https://dfwchw.org/ https://www.tapchw.org/ http://visionycompromiso.org/ Festival of the Hearts: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-festival-of-the-hearts-online-tickets-99449670642 Grab Your CHW T-Shirt: https://thechwcrewcollection.com/   --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast.  https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tasha65/support

Get connected and follow  @thechwcrew on IG and FB!  Dana Branch is using her journey to health and wellness as inspiration for others to get healthy. After years of going through her own battles with chronic illness she made the decision to make a change and has danced her to a healthier lifestyle. She is now inspiring others along the way by getting certified to teach extreme hip hop exercise classes, chair aerobics and starting her own mentor-ship group called the mvpweightloss group. She shares a story of inspiration to other community health workers that you can always change with one step at a time.  Follow Dana @weightlossmvps Bio: Dana Branch has been working in the Community over 20 years and due to her own health issues and struggling with Morbidly Obesity for many years she decided to become a Community Health Worker to bring awareness to those struggling with Obesity and the Health complications of being severely overweight.  After losing her mom to obesity and heart failure and later being diagnosed with it herself she has made it her mission to break the generation curse of obesity in her family  and spread awareness about the many health complications that comes from being Morbidly Obese.  So far she has loss 240lbs and still have much more to lose.  After being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Degenerative Disc Disease Dana still became a Certified Xtreme Hip Hop Fitness Instructor and a Chair One Fitness struggling to encourage others to keep moving.  She is looking forward to providing health education and awareness to a undeserved community with many health disparities and encourage them on their health journey.--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast.  https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tasha65/support

Stay connected and Follow @thechwcrew on IG and FB! Leave us a review of the podcast on apple podcast! Thanks for listening!!Today I share 3 tips to be empowered as parents make decisions for their kids going back to school during covid19. I discuss my new devotional Promise and the importance of setting time to write for gratitude. Purchase Journal: https://bit.ly/doptashawhitaker--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tasha65/support

Stay connected and Follow @thechwcrew on IG and FB! Leave us a review of the podcast on apple podcast! Thanks for listening!!This weekend I invested in myself and attended Podthon a two-day virtual event where podcasters can learn from and connect with thought leaders in the podcasting community. I have been podcasting since December 2017 and have learned alot along the way. This was my first time attending a conference for Podcasters even though it is something I spend a lot of my time doing and now i'm ready to take it a step up. I enjoy engaging in other areas in which I am not familiar I learn alot and it also teaches me how to continue to be a student. Today I share a few things i've learned on my journey and how we should all use what we have to get started on the goals we want. I hope you enjoy!Please leave a review of the show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-c-h-w-crew-podcast/id1329112743Follow us on FB and instagram: @thechwcrewRegister for next year: https://podthon.com/--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tasha65/support

Stay connected and Follow @thechwcrew on IG and FB! Leave us a review of the podcast on apple podcast! Thanks for listening!!July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Today Litza will share tips on how to care for your mental wellness and resources to leverage. Litza is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Speaker and Life Coach who is on a mission to challenge the stereotypes and stigmas surrounding mental health. Litza is originally from the Republic of Panama and now resides in Dallas, Texas, her second home.  She has received a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of North Texas and a Master's in Community Counseling from Argosy University.  She has multiple years of experience working with adults, teens, and children in various settings and she is the owner of her private practice Shining Lights Counseling LLC. Through her private practice, she is changing the face of mental health and educating people on importance of practicing self-care.  At her practice she provides services for people who are experiencing problems with anxiety, depression, grief, and other issues in their lives.  She empowers her clients by shining a light on their inner strengths to help them live a better, more enriched life.  Litza truly wants everyone to let their inner light shine bright!Litza Practice: https://shininglightcounselingllc.com/Resources from Litza:https://therapyforblackgirls.com/https://bringchange2mind.org/https://www.facebook.com/BlackMentalWellness/Book- Boundaries https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-When-Take-Control-Your/dp/0310247454Additional  Resources:https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Minority-Mental-Health-Awareness-Month/Strength-Over-Silencehttps://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/content.aspx?ID=9447  (they have a free e learning course)https://www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-observes-black-indigenous-people-of-color-mental-health-month-2020 Events Mentioned:National Association of Community Health Workers Association Virtual Conference https://nachw.org/membership/Powerful and Passionate Healthcare Professionals Virtual Summit https://sabrinarunbeck.com/summit/summit2020/ People of Color Living With Diabetes Virtual Summit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/people-of-color-living-with-diabetes-summit-tickets-109826959392--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tasha65/support

Stay connected and Follow @thechwcrew on IG and FB! Leave us a review of the podcast on apple podcast! Thanks for listening!!In the current time of the Covid19 pandemic, racial inequalities and unemployment many people find themselves under tremendous stress and neglecting self-care. Frontline healthcare workers are working double shifts, providing resources and caring for their communities. There are so many jobs, teams out in the community that are making impact to serve food, provide Covid19 testing, assistance in bills, healthcare resources for medications, transportation, working on policies for racial injustice, creating spaces for diversity and inclusion and etc. With all of the hard work serving there should also be some time you plan for yourself and on this episode I share with you The Power of the Getaway. After an amazing time with my family, I am happy to share that the Team of Getaway is offering The CHW Crew Tribe a discount! Below are booking details, enjoy and relax!https://getaway.house/booking       - For a Discount Use:  "Tasha25"--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/tasha65/support