HPAC Scholar's Day 2019 CHW_Assessment_Key_Findings | Page 9

focus of their work. Additionally, the top five health conditions that CHWs reported they address most often in their practice were mental health, diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and obesity. Conclusion Both certified and non-certified CHWs play a vital role in addressing both chronic disease and behavioral health issues in Ohio. As a result of the findings of this assessment, several recommendations were made regarding CHW training and continuing education, certification, employment, funding, and the profession in general for consideration by CHW stakeholders in Ohio. The priority top three next steps in Ohio for the CHW profession are to: 1) strengthen the CHW professional association in Ohio in order to advocate for the profession and assist in the implementation of the recommendations of this report, 2) educate health care professionals and employers on the role of the CHW, and 3) improve training and continuing education for all CHWs in Ohio. Executive Summary 3