ABOUT US
The Willamette Health Council launched the Traditional Health Worker (THW) Alliance in 2024 in response to the Marion-Polk community’s desire to advance THW services across the region. Thanks to a $3 million Future Ready Oregon Grant from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, the health council will work with community partners to develop and support programming for THWs, employers of THWs, and other community partners. The THW Alliance’s work is guided by our Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from local community-based organizations that are led by and/or employ THWs.
THW Alliance Structure
Our Mission
Transform health care by empowering diverse individuals with lived experience to provide individualized care in the community and enhance the THW workforce development in Marion and Polk Counties.
THW Alliance Network
The THW Network develops a place for learning, networking, and the sharing of best practices among local organizations that are working to strengthen THW services across the Marion-Polk region. For more information and to get involved, contact Lucy Wallace
Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee brings together diverse community partner experience and perspectives to provide strategic direction and quality oversight to strengthen the THW workforce and monitor progress toward the Alliance’s goals.
Communities of Practice
The Communities of Practice brings together THW Alliance grant sub-recipients and key partners to carry out Future Ready Workforce grant activities and outcomes, ensuring quality practices and community needs are met.
THW Alliance Goals
Establish a directory, raise awareness, and expand access to certified THW training, ensuring programs meet community needs and providing support for successful trainee completion.
Support THWs in obtaining certification and expand opportunities for layered certifications by establishing relationships, providing guidance, and identifying cross-certification pathways.
Collaborate with regional CCOs to develop and maintain a comprehensive THW directory for Marion and Polk Counties, identifying, updating, and including all relevant THWs in their workforce.
Assess and expand the availability of clinical and reflective supervision resources for community THWs by identifying gaps, developing strategies, and implementing solutions.
Assess and strengthen mentorship and wellbeing support for THWs by identifying gaps, developing strategies, and enhancing existing resources
Improve employer understanding and cultural competence to better integrate and retain THWs through focused training and support.
Enhance continuing education and support for THWs by partnering with local organizations, developing a scholarship program, maintaining a local directory of opportunities and hosting an annual summit.
Train and support partners and CHW’s in billing processes, pilot a billing program with CBOs, and provide ongoing assistance to ensure successful implementation.
Coordinate local efforts to advance policy advocacy at the state and federal levels to support the long-term development and sustainability of the Traditional Health Worker (THW) workforce.
Meet the Advisory Committee
