Project Description Narrative:
Secondary traumatic stress (STS) among community health workers (CHWs) serving minoritized communities in central Wisconsin is a growing public health issue. These individuals, often from the same communities they serve, are at high risk of STS due to their frequent exposure to trauma narratives and limited support resources.
This project aims to empower CHWs in central Wisconsin with a toolkit of culturally responsive, evidence-based, low-cost approaches to mental health promotion. It will include developing and implementing workshops, creating advocacy tools to highlight STS and burnout among CHWs, and providing resources for both CHWs and their employers to support mental health in the workplace.
By addressing STS and burnout among CHWs, this project will enhance the mental health of a critical workforce that serves over 26,000 Hmong and Hispanic individuals in central Wisconsin alone.
Improved mental health among CHWs will not only benefit their own well-being, but also strengthen community advocacy efforts and promote better health outcomes across diverse, minoritized populations in the state.
Community partners: Nordic Night Sauna and Physical Therapy, Family Natural Foods, UW-Madison Population Health Institute, Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service, Hmong and Hispanic Communication Network, Rural Resiliency Network, Mujeres con Poder, Core-El Centro, Herbal Awakenings, Mind Cultural Counseling and Training