Safe Table Forum

Reducing Harm, Restoring Trust: The Vital Role of CHWs in Healthcare

March 19, 2025 | 11:00AM - 12:00PM PT

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are at the forefront of transforming healthcare by reducing harm, addressing disparities, and empowering communities. Join us for an insightful webinar as we delve into the critical role CHWs play in bridging gaps, fostering trust, and improving patient outcomes. Through compelling discussions and practical insights, we’ll explore harm reduction strategies, real-world successes, and best practices for integrating CHWs into healthcare teams.

Presentation topics include:

  • Highlight the Impact of CHWs: Explore the unique role of CHWs in reducing harm by addressing social determinants of health, bridging cultural and communication gaps, and fostering trust between patients and healthcare providers.
  • Understand Harm Reduction Strategies: Discuss strategies utilized by CHWs to mitigate risks, promote health equity, and improve patient outcomes in diverse healthcare settings.
  • Empower Healthcare Systems to Support CHWs: Identify best practices for integrating and supporting CHWs in healthcare teams.

Register via GoToWebinar.

Wednesday, March 19, 2025: 11:00 a.m.- noon (PT)

Olivia Cerna, LCSW
Community Health Supervisor

Olivia Cerna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience in both hospital and community settings in various regions including Northern Arizona, New York City, and Southern California. Olivia completed her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Northern Arizona University and received her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University. In her healthcare experience, Olivia has worked in both inpatient and outpatient medical settings, with a particular focus on surgical patients. Her expertise and dedication to the field were highlighted when she was a speaker at the Cedars Sinai 2024 Symposium: Treat Obesity Now: A Workshop to Implement Real World Strategies.

Currently, Olivia is the Community Health Supervisor in the Community Connect Program at Cedars Sinai, under the Office of Health Equity. In this role, Olivia oversees a team of Community Health Workers who focus on initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes and addressing health disparities for patients.

Olivia has always had a passion for health and mental health, which has been a central focus throughout her career. Outside of work, Olivia enjoys running, reading mystery books, traveling and spending time with friends.

Jasmine Ortega
Community Health Worker

Jasmine Ortega is a Community Health Worker at Cedars-Sinai who supports the GUIDE dementia care management team and outpatient teams. Jasmine graduated with a bachelor’s in public health from Cal State Northridge and is a certified health education specialist. She has over 4 years of experience working in health education, community engagement, and outreach; she has been a panelist speaker at the CalFresh Healthy Living Forum and has been featured in the Lake Los Angeles Community Newspaper promoting health education classes for older adults. She has worked with different socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, which include older adults, general adults, and school-aged kids. Jasmine is dedicated to continuing her professional growth with the geriatric population.

HQI is an approved continuing education (CE) provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing and will provide CHPSO members an opportunity to earn CEs. Provider Number CEP16793 for 1.0 contact hour.

Please contact CHPSO at info@chpso.org if you have any questions.