Promotores Gather to Learn in Ellensburg

“What a great place to be surrounded by nature, to learn and build friendships with people you may have only seen through camera or don’t know at all.”    

Yulissa Torres-Lopez, Patient Navigator  

The 2024 Washington State Promotor/CHW Network Training took place on June 17-19 at the Lazy F Camp & Retreat Center in Ellensburg, WA. The Spanish-language event was lead and planned by promotores from Moses Lake Community Health Center with the planning committee that included Promotores from Community Health of Central Washington, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, King County Promotores Network, Latinos Promoting Good Health, and Chelan Douglas Health District. They also received support from Vision y Compromiso, Northwest Regional Primary Care Association, and the Washington Association for Community Health.    

Promotores de salud, or health promoters, are trusted community members who work from the heart and provide one-on-one, culturally appropriate, in-language support to people where they live, work and feel safe. They may also be called Community Health Workers (CHW) or health educators. They help identify peoples’ needs and connect them to resources, such as health care and other social needs (housing, food, transportation, etc.).  

This longstanding annual event organized and led by promotores of Moses Lake Community Health Center focuses on creating a unique learning environment for the promotores community. Training, lodging, and meals are free. It is conducted in Spanish using the popular education model which includes group activities, socio dramas, and other cooperative techniques.   

Attendees participated in skill building and educational sessions to support and inform their work with members of their communities. Topics included awareness Parkinson’s Disease. financial assistance/charity care programs, Paid Family & Medical Leave, accessing services for migrant and asylee seekers, and an update on Apple Health Expansion. Attendees also had opportunities to network with other promotors, learn wellness skills, and connect with nature in a beautiful, rustic setting.   

The 2024 event drew 109 participants, including 30 staff from Washington’s Community Health Centers. Next year’s training is expected to be held at the same location from June 16-18, 2025. Save the date - we hope to see you there!