Health Coaches
Target Group: Undergraduates
Objectives:
The Alameda County Health Coach Program aims to improve the health of community members by pairing them with culturally sensitive health coaches. Health coaching is an innovative method to improve health outcomes by motivating patients to manage their health. Health coaches assist patients in understanding their health plan, making medical appointments, identifying resources and advocating for themselves. Health coaches help bridge the gap between clinician and patient by helping patients navigate the health care system, offering emotional support, and serving as a continuity figure.
Through the support of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s workforce development program, young adults with a passion for addressing health disparities will work with patients at Alameda Health System-Highland. This innovative program is the first to provide health coaching directly from the Emergency Department. Health Coaches are trained in chronic disease management, motivational coaching, patient advocacy, and healthcare system navigation.
Partners include ACHPP, EMS Corps, and Highland Hospital Emergency Department.
Services and support for coaches:
- Professional development
- Networking opportunities
- Career counseling
- Mental health training
- Health coach training
Services and support for patients:
- Health education
- Medication reconciliation
- Follow up phone calls and home visits
- Patient advocacy & identifying resources
Duration: Year-round
Stipend: Part-Time Employment
