Lunch & Learns

Joining a Lunch & Learn is a great way to stay up to date and connected on how Community Health Workers (CHWs) can be empowered to provide care in their communities. Registration is now required for all Lunch & Learns. Register for the sessions that you would like to attend using the links below. You will receive the Zoom link upon registration.

Other Events and Trainings:

January 20, 2026, 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Join the IPHA CHW Section for Advocacy 101 for Community Health Workers. Conny Moody, MBA, with IPHA, will be providing advocacy training to ensure CHWs are well equipped to engage in political, civic, and workplace advocacy. This training is designed to introduce CHWs to the state and federal legislative process; learn about health advocacy – what it is and how it works; and explore ways CHWs can get involved in health advocacy.  

IPHA is hosting a Community Health Workers 101 Training on Wednesdays at 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM from January 14 – March 4, 2026. This training incorporates the 13 national core CHW competencies to prepare individuals to serve as CHWs.

CHW Certification Proposed Rules Update

On October 3, 2025, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) released the long-awaited proposed rules for CHW Certification. This step moves us closer to a statewide system that recognizes Community Health Workers as essential members of the health and social-service workforce.

Why These Rules Matter

Illinois law (410 ILCS 67) calls for a voluntary CHW certification program that sets training standards, creates a path for experienced CHWs to be “grandfathered” in, and eventually allows certified CHWs to be reimbursed by Medicaid. In short, certification isn’t required to work as a CHW, but it will be required if an organization wants to bill Medicaid for CHW services. These rules lay out how certification will work, how training sites and instructors will be approved, and what recertification will look like.

What the Rules Actually Do

The proposed rules (49 Ill. Reg. 12385) define the certification process, curriculum standards, field hours, continuing education, and how the state will oversee training programs. They also include a work-experience or “grandparenting” pathway so long-time CHWs can be certified without starting from scratch.

Where Things Stand Now

The public comment period closed on November 17, 2025. IDPH is now reviewing feedback and preparing revisions before the rules move to the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR). Meanwhile, the CHW Review Board is still meeting, shaping curriculum guidance, and helping IDPH build the systems needed for certification, including the future application portal. To view the comments that IPHA submitted click here.

What’s Next

IDPH will finalize the rules, submit them for approval, and then begin standing up the infrastructure: approving training programs, certifying instructors, creating a public registry, and connecting the system to Medicaid billing. Even with progress, certification isn’t expected to go live until late summer or early fall 2026, and the exact date is still “to be determined.” CHWs can continue working in the meantime; Medicaid reimbursement simply won’t be available until certification officially launches.

Why This Matters

Certification gives CHWs a recognized credential and opens the door to stable funding through Medicaid. Employers gain a clearer framework to support and sustain CHW roles. Communities benefit from stronger, more consistent access to culturally grounded, community-based care. At the same time, new requirements may take time to navigate, especially for smaller programs and CHWs balancing work, training, and certification.

On November 5, 2025, the IPHA CHW Section brought folks together for a webinar breaking down the CHW Certification Proposed Rules and helping CHWs feel confident submitting public comments. We’re keeping that momentum going. On January 20, 2026, we’ll be hosting a session on Advocacy as a CHW, because our voices matter just as much as our work in the community. You can find the registration to attend the session on January 20 above.

The CHW Section will continue offering quarterly webinars on the topics CHWs ask for and need. If you’re not part of the Section yet, this is the perfect time to join. Stay connected, stay informed, and stay tuned for more updates! Visit ipha.com/join-now to become an IPHA member. You can join the CHW Section by selecting Community Health Worker as one of your Sections at the end of the registration form. There is a discounted membership rate for CHWs. If you have questions regarding IPHA membership, please reach out to membership@ipha.com.

Where Community Meets Care: The Value of CHWs and Social Workers Working Together

Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Social Workers share a commitment to improving health and well-being across communities. Each profession brings something essential. CHWs offer deep community connection and practical support rooted in lived experience. Social Workers bring clinical skills, system navigation, and advocacy expertise. When they work together, care becomes more coordinated and more responsive to what individuals and families truly need.

Instead of viewing their roles as overlapping or competing, collaboration allows CHWs and Social Workers to focus on the work they are each trained to do best. CHWs help build trust and identify early needs. Social Workers can step in to address more complex concerns and long-term stability. This partnership helps ensure that people receive the right kind of support at the right time.

A clear understanding of the scopes of practice is key. Interprofessional communication and shared training opportunities help prevent role misunderstandings and “scope creep,” while also building mutual respect. When teams are aligned on responsibilities and expectations, individuals receiving services experience smoother, more continuous support.

What Collaboration Makes Possible

When organizations intentionally create space for these roles to complement one another:

• Engagement increases because trust is reinforced
• Care gaps shrink due to coordinated follow-up
• Staff feel more supported and confident in their roles
• Communities see outcomes that reflect both their needs and their strengths

These are practical improvements that lead to better experiences across the board.

There is meaningful potential in strengthening the relationship between CHWs and Social Workers. By recognizing the unique value that each profession brings and designing care systems that blend those strengths, organizations can offer support that is truly person-centered and grounded in community.

Have a safe month,

Tracey Smith, Associate Executive Director for Public Health Practice at IPHA, Director of the CHW Capacity Building Center and Claire Hughes, IPHA Program Manager.

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter. 

We strive to keep CHWs, their employers, educators, and allies informed and connected. If you would like to contribute information for a future newsletter, please contact Mariah Menietti at mmenietti@ipha.com. We look forward to showcasing ways in which CHWs are making an impact in Illinois.