About Asthma Home Visting Trainings
The Asthma Prevention and Control Program (APCP), in partnership with Boston Public Health Commission, sponsors a series of free trainings designed for Community Health Workers (CHWs) working in Massachusetts to build on skills directly related to asthma home visiting.
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are the frontline workers bridging gaps in care between clinicians and patients, as they support navigation of the health care system. Asthma home visits that are led by CHWs are proven to be effective in improving asthma outcomes. The APCP is committed to further supporting the evidence-based CHW-led Asthma Home Visiting Model through a series of trainings.
Learn more about Community Health Worker-led asthma home visiting.
Trainings Offered by DPH
4-Day CHW Asthma Home Visiting Training (4-Day Training)- eligible for 10.75 CEUs*
- Free 4-day online training
- Overview of asthma home visiting topics, including asthma medication adherence, motivational interviewing, and home visiting basics
- Aims to give CHWs the skills and knowledge to provide asthma home visits
- CHWs working in MA in a non-supervisory role are welcome to attend
Asthma Medications & Delivery Devices - eligible for 1.5 CEUs*
- Free, online 2-hour session
- Refresher of asthma medication and delivery device information covered in the 4-Day CHW Asthma Home Visiting Training.
- CHWs that completed the 4-Day Training are encouraged to attend
- Any CHW working in asthma in MA is also welcome to attend,
Motivational Interviewing: Practice Addressing Challenges
- Free, 2-hour session
- Refresher of motivational interviewing information covered in the 4-Day Training
- CHWs that completed the 4-Day Training are encouraged to attend
- Any CHW working in asthma in MA also welcome to attend
*Continuing education credits (CEUs): The Asthma Prevention and Control program has been certified by the Board of Certification of Community Health Workers to grant CEUs to CHW attendees who complete the eligible trainings in full, meeting all the requirements and expectations. These credits can be used to satisfy the required number of hours for CHW recertification. Partial credit is not available.
Community Health Workers interested in any of the following trainings can express interest by submitting your contact information here.
Technical Assistance for Asthma Home Visiting
The Asthma Prevention and Control Program can offer one-on-one support to assist asthma home visiting programs in overcoming common challenges in establishing and implementing home visiting programs, including strategies to maximize intervention effectiveness and reach. Reach out to DPH-APCP@mass.gov.
Resources for Asthma Home Visiting
The APCP has the following resources available on the Massachusetts Clearinghouse to further support CHWs and programs:
Respiratory Treatments Poster - developed by the Allergy & Asthma Network, this poster provides a comparison of the various respiratory treatment options and helps patients identify their inhalers
Clean Safe Poster - provides guidelines for safe bleach use to help care providers maintain a clean and safe environment.
Child Asthma Action Plan - offers a comprehensive management plan, including peak flow, symptom severity, and medication details.
CHW Asthma Home Visiting Guide - supports CHWs in delivering evidence-based home visits in Massachusetts, the APCP has developed an Asthma Home Visiting Toolkit that includes protocols, key educational messages, standardized environmental assessments, and standard definitions and outcome measures.
Boston Public Health Commission Videos
- Asthma Community Health Worker Training: Chemical Cleaners Role Play (2 minutes)
- Asthma Community Health Worker Training: Housekeeping Role Play (6 minutes)
For more information, follow this Asthma Resources page.