MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Northern Michigan University held a symposium Tuesday for community health workers around the Upper Peninsula.
For its third year, the NMU Center for Rural Health welcomed over 100 healthcare workers to take part in face-to-face learning opportunities. The day provided sessions in regional updates and continued education, including first aid certification from the Michigan Epilepsy Foundatoin. Around 20 vendors on-site were also able to provide local info.
Attendees have become familiar with each other through virtual trainings and monthly meetings from home. NMU Center for Rural Health Director Elise Bur says the symposium is a chance to make in-person headway in some of their challenges faced every day.
“This year we’ve more than doubled in attendance,” she said. “Today’s an opportunity to actually come together and meet each other. We have the community health workers identify challenges they face, and then help identify solutions.”
Community health worker training is also a major move with the event, as scholarship career opportunities around Michigan are available for a lower than average price through NMU.
This training is typically around $1,600, but can now be provided for $250 per person. The only requirement for this training is a high school degree. More details can be found at nmu.edu/ruralhealth.
