Delmarva Foundation and Partners Host the National Community Health Worker Conference--UNITY 2014--in Baltimore

BALTIMORE, May 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 240 Community Health Workers (CHWs) and supporters from 35 states and the District of Columbia joined together at the Inner Harbor Hyatt in Baltimore, Maryland. The two and a half day program highlighting best practices, skill-building workshops, and updates from US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) agencies with interests in CHWs.

Tonight, the conference will hold a special award reception honoring outstanding CHWs and will present the esteemed Esther M. Holderby Award to Ron Sanders of Transitions Clinic Network in San Francisco, CA. The Holderby Award celebrates the accomplishments and dedication of a seasoned community health worker each year. Peers nominate peers for this distinction.

"My mother [Esther M. Holderby], who was a CHW, passed away in July of 2005 She was a 25-year, 4-time cancer survivor. By providing education and resources to communities, she raised awareness of breast cancer and its early detection," said Lisa Renee Holderby-Fox. "It's wonderful to be able to honor a community health worker each year with an award in my mother's name."

Tomorrow morning's session features a town hall style listening session for federal agencies that have special interest in CHWs. Representatives from the Health Resources and Services Administration; Office of Minority Health; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; Centers for Disease Control and Injury Prevention; Administration for Community Living; and Indian Health Service will field questions from attendees.

"Delmarva Foundation is pleased to join with The University of Southern Mississippi, Central Massachusetts AHEC, and Community Resources to sponsor this year's conference. The knowledge and skills gained through this conference will help CHWs from all across the country and strengthen our efforts to improve health in the communities we serve," said Mary Kohut, President, Delmarva Foundation for Medical Care. Delmarva Foundation for Medical Care (www.delmarvafoundaiton.org) is a subsidiary of Quality Health Strategies (www.qualityhealthstrategies.org) and home of the Population Health Center (www.populationhealthcenter.org).

SOURCE Delmarva Foundation