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Kalusugan [Health] Advocacy Program
Sign Ups are open for our 2026 Kalusugan cohort. Register by July 14th at bit.ly/2026-kalusugan
ABOUT
The Kalusugan [Health] Advocacy Program is an 6-week Health Equity and Organizer program engaging folks interested in Public Health and culturally-responsive care from the lens of Community Health Workers. In contrast to existing community health worker certification programs, the Kalusugan [Health] Advocacy Program serves as a booster program, teaching folks how Community Health Workers are key players in caring for a patient’s holistic health, while showcasing how grassroots organizing is crucial to addressing the social determinants of health.
This hybrid program includes:
Program graduates will receive:
Our Purpose
The purpose of the Kalusugan [Health] Advocacy program is to equip folks who have a passion for public health with the awareness of how the Filipina/x/o identity impacts how they navigate the healthcare system, so they can advocate for the needs of themselves and their community. Whether they work with the Filipina/x/o community or identify with it, program graduates will have a broader understanding of the public health care system from the Filipina/x/o lens.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our Curriculum
The Kalusugan [Health] Advocacy Program embeds workshops, guest panels, community outreach, and a concluding project into the curriculum. Key topics are covered, such as:
Class participants will receive a syllabus with the weekly class topics after registration. Please email us at info@leadfilipino.org to inquire more about the syllabus.
WORKSHOPS
Our workshops will cover the basics of health equity, Filipina/x/o and broader AANHPI community practices, and how to contextualize them within community-centered healthcare in Santa Clara County. We will also cover key competencies of community health workers and how they transfer to the grassroots organizing space, emphasizing and honing the existing skills and organizing power folks already have.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
The Kalusugan [Health] Advocacy Program provides field experience for folks who want to start outreach work, but don’t know how to begin. Calling back to L.E.A.D Filipino’s beginnings as a grassroots organization, attendees will participate in our outreach initiatives aligned with our existing programming, learn how to connect folks to services, and provide resources and general health education information.
Important Dates & Program Schedule
Registration Opens: June 5
Virtual Info Night: July 2 | 6-7PM PST
Registration Closes: July 14
Instruction start: July 21 | 6-8PM PST
Mental Health First Aid Training: August 1 | 9AM – 5 PM
Outreach Day with 2026 Awareness in Action Cohort : August 8 | 9AM – 1 PM
Salamat At Paalam – Cohort Celebration: August 29 | 5 – 9 PM
FAQs
The Kalusugan [Health] Advocacy Program is an 8-week program from June- July. Classes will be mostly virtual via Zoom except for the Outreach Day (Date TBD) and an in-person celebration on August 2nd.
Participants will complete weekly readings and 2 projects throughout the program. They will complete and present a health education workshop on a topic of their choosing. Participants will also complete an in-person Outreach Day with L.E.A.D Filipino to get field experience conducting community outreach.
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Health Education Workshop (Individual)
Participants will research and present a health education workshop on a topic of their choosing. They are required to register 8 attendees to their workshop.
Outreach Day (Group)
Participants will conduct an outreach event with programming in collaboration with their cohort. Instructors will assist with event logistics while the cohort interacts with community members and provide health resources and service referrals.
There is a $25 fee to cover in-person programming for your program celebration.
How has your experience as Community Health Worker (CHW) influence your professional journey?
LEAD Filipino’s Health Advocacy program will equip the next generation of Filipino health workers, public health, and community health leaders with the knowledge and tools to support our community. This program is a starting point, a conversation, and an important next step to continue bringing our individual and community’s health to the forefront.
As LEAD Filipino’s health equity director for the past 5 years, under LEAD Filipino, we have been able to bring needed supplies and resources to our community. Providing free health educational workshops both in person and online.
Jenn Cayanan, RN
Health Equity Advisor, Health Educator
Being a community health worker has impacted how I view my service and advocacy. Where my duties follow providing resources and equity towards community members, I have recognized how it is also an unspoken responsibility to uplift the voices of those who often feel invisible.
I have learned that real impact is rooted in the connections and relationships you make. Being in the community, listening to people’s lived experiences, and unique barriers to care has taught me the valuable purpose of human connection. It has made my work more international, compassionate, and rooted in justice. I now see myself as a bridge between my community and healthcare systems, ensuring that I make everyone feel seen, heard, and cared for!
Hailey Guinto
Former Health Equity Intern,
USF Nursing Student
During my time as a Community Health Worker (CHW), I served as a bridge between our healthcare system and the community in collaboration with fellow CHWs from various cultural backgrounds. Not only was I able to provide resources and health education on preventative services, nutrition, mental health, and other wellness topics– I am also able to apply my understanding and continue to advocate for health equity and patient care in how I engage with medical staff and the community in my daily work in the hospital.
Michelle Nelmida
Former Health Equity Co-Director, Medical Staff Coordinator