Community Health Worker Training

Since 2015, Dr. Allen's team has worked alongside community health workers (CHWs) to extend precision health (specifically genetics and genomics interventions) into community settings.

PREFER CHW 

PaRtnEring to build understanding oF gEnomics Responsibly (PREFER) CHW Genomics Research Education Program (PREFER CHW) is designed to fill the gap in available resources to train CHWs in basic competencies related to genomics. We are working with CHW training programs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi to develop and implement the program.

KEEP IT Training

KEEP IT (Keeping Each Other Engaged via IT) was developed and implemented among 26 CHWs (IRG-19-137-20). There are 10 modules that can be delivered synchronously over 12 hours. Modules include: 1) hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, 2) family history, family history collection tools, 3) communicating about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, 4) genetics 101, 5) genetic testing and counseling, 6) health information technology, 7) ethical, legal, and social issues, 8) the CHW role in cancer care and prevention, 9) supportive resources, and 10) locating resources and making referrals. 

Publications

Development of a Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer and Genetics Curriculum for Community Health Workers: KEEP IT (Keeping Each other Engaged Program via IT) Community Health Worker Training
Allen, C.G., Hatch, A., Qanungo, S. et al. Development of a Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer and Genetics Curriculum for Community Health Workers: KEEP IT (Keeping Each other Engaged Program via IT) Community Health Worker Training. J Canc Educ 39, 70–77 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-023-02377-7

In the News

Researchers encourage genetic testing for men and women higher at risk for cancer (Fox 28 Savannah)