CHW Learning and Network Collaborative (Iowa)

With partnership funding from Molina Healthcare, HealthTeamWorks launched the CHW Learning and Network Collaborative—a no-cost opportunity for Iowa Community Health Workers (CHWs) to build skills, connect with peers, and support one another. In this phase, the collaborative will include 8 virtual meetings in 2026 (two sessions each quarter), alternating between CHW-focused training and structured networking and discussion on topics identified by CHWs. This work is guided by a committee of Iowa CHWs who are helping shape the content and format and are eager to connect with you throughout the year.

These sessions are intended for Iowa Community Health Workers and those in similar front-line, community-based roles. CHW supervisors and others are welcome to attend, with the understanding that the priority focus is on CHWs and on creating a space where CHWs feel comfortable sharing, learning, and connecting. There is no cost to participate.

Sessions and Registration

All sessions are held on Wednesdays from 2:30–4:00 PM CST and are virtual.

Session Date	Topic	Registration
February 25, 2026	CHW Landscape and Well-being Check in (Networking Session)	Session Slides
March 25, 2026	Advocacy Deborah Thompson, MPA DHT Consulting & Training	Session Slides Session Recording
April 29, 2026	Information and Referral Resources and Navigation Strategies Ernesta Martinez, Lead Hub Navigator Iowa Community Hub	Session Slides Session Recording
June 24, 2026	Navigating Changing State Service System Deb Kazmerzak, BASW, CHC Executive Fellow Community Health Worker Program Lead, HealthTeamWorks	Session Slides
July 29, 2026	Social Isolation Tinika Roland, MA Erika Lee, MPT Guest Speaker: Kayla Bell-Consolver, MS, LMHC-S Drake University Counseling Center	Session Slides
September 30, 2026	Ask an MCO! Molina HealthCare Wellpoint	Register here
October 28, 2026	To be announced	Register here
November 18, 2026	To be announced	Register here

CHW Learning & Network Collaborative Community Space
We’ve created a CHW Learning & Network Collaborative community space where you can connect with peers, share resources, and continue the conversation between sessions.
Request access here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8P6KXYD

More information: Contact Deb Kazmerzak at [email protected] or 515.554.3788

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and CHWs – Is There a Use Case?

In partnership with University of Iowa researcher Dr. Carolyn Turvey, HealthTeamWorks is exploring the potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support Community Health Workers in their day-to-day work. This project focuses on identifying real-world use cases for AI in CHW roles, evaluating existing tools, and determining the structure and guardrails needed to ensure AI is used safely, appropriately, and effectively in CHW settings.

A key part of this work is learning directly from CHWs. We are seeking CHWs to complete a short survey on how AI might be useful in their work, as well as CHWs interested in testing a pilot AI tool and providing feedback. Your insights are essential to shaping this effort, and a small compensation will be provided for both the survey and pilot testing activities.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Deb Kazmerzak at [email protected] or 515.554.3788.