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CERTIFIED — Kayla Fogle, left, and Lysaih Rice, community health workers with the Jefferson County General Health District, have been fully certified through the Ohio Board of Nursing.
STEUBENVILLE — Kayla Fogle and Lysaih Rice, community health workers with the Jefferson County General Health District, have been fully certified through the Ohio Board of Nursing, district officials have announced.
Community health workers are frontline public health workers who assist in improving quality of care and breaking down cultural barriers to treatment. CHWs bridge the gap between people in need of care and care providers — and as members of the community they serve, they help build trust and open lines of communication, according to Ohio State University.
With this certification, Fogle and Rice are recognized by the nursing board as prepared and trusted advocates, connectors, educators, and motivators for health needs in Jefferson County.
The JCGHD began providing CHW services in collaboration with the Mahoning Valley Pathways Hub in the fourth quarter of 2024. The Pathways Hub connects people to social services and medical resources in Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana and Jefferson Counties. Its goal is to reduce the impact of social determinants of health on health disparities in the region through effective care coordination. The CHWs will partner with county residents to help them reach their goals through referrals, education and support.
To connect with a community health worker, call the JCGHD nursing department at (740) 283-8530. For information about the Mahoning Valley Pathways Hub, visit ohiopathwayshub.org.
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