Overview
CPC Community Health is passionate about developing and implementing innovative community health programs that improve the health of all Coloradans. Our team specializes in translating evidence-based research into community health worker-led programs that empower individuals to take control of their physical and mental health.
For over 15 years, CPC’s programs have evolved to meet the changing needs of the community. During the early years of our programs, CHW roles were focused on screening individuals for risk factors, providing brief education and facilitating referrals into community resources. Over the years, the programs have incorporated more in-depth education, health coaching to support lifestyle changes utilizing motivational interviewing techniques, more comprehensive decision support through the Outreach, Screening and Referral (OSCAR) system, behavioral health assessments and interventions, and virtual delivery in response to the pandemic. All of our programs are delivered in both English and Spanish.
As trusted community members who share language and culture with program participants, CHWs are powerful actors in delivering health information and encouraging individuals to make positive changes in their lives. When provided with comprehensive training and support, CHWs have produced amazing results and have reached diverse populations often disproportionately impacted by health inequities.
Learn more about our programs and trainings below
Integrated Solutions and Programs that Improve Equity in Cardiovascular Health program (INSPIRE-CVH)
INSPIRE-CVH is the integration of two community health worker-led programs, CHHS and CHARLAR, that aims to
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improve health through a series of innovations, and
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reduce health inequities among rural and Latino communities.
Program Innovations
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Health coaching interventions that emphasize the connection between physical and mental health.
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Health assessments and education that address both the health behaviors and health factors that impact cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
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Expanding the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 framework by adding a stress measure to the eight components of CV health (Life’s Essential 8+).
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Aligning health programs and interventions with the preferences of the participant. INSPIRE-CVD gives participants the option to participate in a group-based program (CHARLAR), a one-on-one coaching program (Colorado Heart Healthy Solutions) or both. Participants also set their own health goals.
Implementation Partners
About CHHS
CHHS is a statewide program that aims to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. CHHS involves a network of community health workers (CHW) who reach out to individuals in their communities, especially those from populations often disproportionately impacted by health inequities. Services described below are provided at no cost.
Since 2008, CHHS has served over 60,000 Coloradans and has seen significant improvements in health outcomes.
CHW Services
CHHS by the Numbers
On average, these health outcomes were measured 57 months after their initial health assessment suggesting durability of impact.
Click below for more information on publications and recognitions.
What Participants Have Said About CHHS
I always think: I've got to get to work, get to work, I don't have time to go out for a walk but I've been forcing myself to get out and walk. I walk 2 miles a day. When I started, it took me 45 minutes and now it only takes me 25 minutes, I'm thinking about increasing to 3 miles a day. So far, I've lost about 5 pounds and I feel better about myself.
The reality is we have to eat using the funds we have to work with but now we read labels and that has really helped us to eat better. I have lost 10 pounds and my blood pressure has come down some. I feel better now. I'm not 100 percent but I am doing my best to follow the suggestions the community health worker gave me.
I had not been to the doctor in years because it's more of an expense - I have to save money to do it. I am very low income and my husband is disabled....we live off a pension, it really helped that the screening and retest were both free. Our community health worker is nice and helpful and made me feel good about myself. It was comfortable talking to her about it, I felt I could be honest.
About CHARLAR
CHARLAR is a shared community program for adults to learn, build skills, and improve health behaviors to lower their risks for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Originally created for the Latino population, the program leverages the cultural assets of Latinos to create a shared learning environment where community members support one another in preventing, delaying or managing heart disease and diabetes.
The program includes 12 weeks of evidence-based skill building and education classes facilitated by bilingual Community Health Workers (CHWs), cardiovascular disease and risk factor screenings, physician counseling, group-based physical activity and navigation to medical homes and other community-based services.
CHARLAR is now available to diverse populations in Denver, Routt and Prowers counties.
CHARLAR Partners
CHARLAR by the Numbers
Program participants have lost weight, lowered blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, and report feeling healthier and happier.
These sessions build upon the mental health concepts introduced in the INSPIRE-CVH program and were developed with funding from the Anschutz Foundation.
The 90-minute sessions in this series are focused on Emotional Wellness, and Stress and Substance Use.
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Emotional Wellness is focused on educating participants about emotional wellness including how stress impacts physical and emotional wellness, how to manage stress, how to recognize when someone is emotionally unwell, and how to support those who are emotionally unwell.
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Stress and Substance Use is focused on educating participants about stress and coping, coping through substance use, stigma and substance use, and how to support family and friends.
Based upon our experience integrating mental health into our community programs and funding from the Telligen Community Initiative, we developed a mental health training curriculum specifically for CHWs. Mental Health 101 for CHWs is designed to empower CHWs with the knowledge and skills to have conversations with participants about their mental health and decide when and how to get help. The course consists of six modules and is offered through the Rocky Mountain Public Health Training Center.
Click below for more information or to sign up!
Course Topics
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What is mental health?
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Stress and chronic disease
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Overcoming stigma
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Stress management
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Mental health screening tools
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Managing substance use
