The Community Health Advocate Program combines the lived experiences of Black mothers with advocacy and leadership training. We recognize these mothers as the experts in the needs of their respective communities, and aim to connect them with leaders and organizations so they can guide the efforts to improve community health.
The program centers around the cohort model, developing strong relationships between participants and engaging them in a shared learning experience. Participants engage in 7 weeks of training sessions, combined with independent learning exercises and community-based activities, and collaborate to design a project for community impact. Learn more about the history of the program, see current and upcoming cohorts, and see endeavors of our program graduates.
The Community Health Advocate Program was created to uplift the voices of mothers as the experts on their community needs by providing them with advocacy and leadership training, and preparing them to sit on community-based boards and committees and partner with decision-makers to advocate for change where they live.
Partnering with the Allegheny County Health Department, Healthy Start launched a pilot of the program in the fall of 2017, with 5 Black moms from around Allegheny County and 2 mom-mentors to support their efforts. The program ran for 3 months and provided all participants with a Chromebook to support their research and advocacy efforts, and connected them with other community-based organizations and leaders. After the program’s completion, several participants have collaborated with Healthy Start on community endeavors, and pursued roles in the realm of Maternal and Child Health.
Since the pilot program, Healthy Start has held 4 additional cohorts, for a total of 41 program graduates. Several graduates have obtained employment with Healthy Start, and many others have continued their community engagement efforts by pursuing doula training, Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) training, and engagement with other organizations devoted to improving community health.
Now recruiting for a special cohort of the Community Health Advocate Program in support of the Wilkinsburg Best Babies Zone Project! This cohort is open to Black moms who are Wilkinsburg residents, and willing to remain engaged in Best Babies Zone projects after the cohort ends.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, this cohort will be held using virtual technology. For those accepted into the program, we will work with you to make sure you have everything you need to access the cohort materials. Please use the form below to apply for the cohort.
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