Resident Health Advocate Training Program

The Partners in Health and Housing Prevention Research Center trains Boston public housing residents as health advocates (RHAs). The aim is to increase prevention efforts and link public housing residents with health resources in their communities. The curriculum includes leadership- and skill-building workshops, and health topics that include asthma, first aid, safety, depression, elder health, domestic violence, substance abuse, nutrition, and navigating the health care system. The training includes homework activities and case studies for creating practical strategies. The program’s graduates are hired by the Boston Housing Authority to work as health advocates that provide health information and resources to neighbors and help them obtain health services. The advocates link the community to its health center and plan onsite health promotion activities.

Audience
This program is intended for residents of Boston public housing communities.

Duration
10 weeks (Sept.-Nov.); one 3-hour session each week.