Delaware Tech to expand community health worker program

Delaware Technical Community College has received a grant from Bank of America that will expand the its community health worker program and provide the opportunity for 20 students to complete the training free of charge.

Totaling more than $62,000, the grant enables Delaware Tech to expand the high-demand community health worker program to the Georgetown and Stanton campuses, making the 250-hour comprehensive training available at all four campus locations.

“This generous grant will not only benefit our students, but will also help meet a critical need for employers in our state’s healthcare sector,” said Mark T. Brainard, Delaware Tech president. “We are grateful for Bank of America’s continued support of our students and community.”

Community health workers are employed within local healthcare systems; they seek to improve outcomes and reduce costs by teaching healthy behaviors and how to navigate local healthcare services, especially for individuals in underserved communities. They also provide some direct services, such as first aid and blood pressure screening.

The grant is part of Bank of America's philanthropic giving efforts in local communities. Awardees were selected for their commitment to addressing basic needs and workforce development for individuals and families, in particular during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We have seen the critical role our healthcare workers have played during the pandemic, and there is still a growing need for them in Delaware’s healthcare sector,” said Chip Rossi, Bank of America Delaware president. “By expanding their community health worker program, Delaware Tech is paving the way for our local healthcare system to serve our entire community for years to come.”

For more information on the community health worker program and other Delaware Tech workforce training programs, go to dtcc.edu/workforce.