HealthTeamWorks

03/06/2026

A new commentary published by Elsevier highlights the important role primary care research plays in improving population health and strengthening health systems.

Equitable research in primary care helps ensure that innovations, policies, and care models truly reflect the needs of patients, communities, and frontline care teams.

As healthcare continues to evolve, investing in primary care research will be critical to improving outcomes and advancing health equity.

Read more: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S3050514325000858

03/03/2026

March is National Nutrition Month®!
Healthy eating plays a critical role in helping older adults manage chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Small, sustainable changes can lead to better outcomes, greater independence, and improved quality of life.

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has compiled practical, evidence-based resources to promote healthy eating among older adults — including tools based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Explore the resources here:
🔗 https://odphp.health.gov/news/202503/national-nutrition-monthr-lets-promote-healthy-eating-older-adults

02/27/2026

On February 24, the Primary Care Collaborative (PCC) hosted a discussion on how policymakers can strengthen primary care participation in accountable care organizations (ACOs) to improve outcomes and contain Medicare costs. Learn more and access the recording here:

This PCC webinar explores strategies for how policymakers and industry leaders can encourage primary care to participate in ACOs.

02/26/2026

Today, our CEO Cecilia L. Saffold presented during the Primary Care Medical Providers Learning Community, convened by the CU Practice Innovation Program and Colorado Medicaid (HCPF), in a special session for small, independent practices on using AI for visit documentation.
The session covered practical guidance on AI Scribes, including ethical considerations, benefits and limitations, questions to ask when selecting a vendor, and typical pricing ranges along with real-world perspective from an independent practice already using AI tools.
We’re proud to support practices across Colorado as they explore technology that reduces burden, strengthens care teams, and keeps the focus on patients.

02/26/2026

Policy changes are beginning to better reflect what primary care actually delivers — prevention, coordination, and long-term patient relationships. To truly strengthen our health system, these efforts will need to expand and continue through value-based investment.

In a recent blog from the Primary Care Collaborative, Ann Greiner and Namrata Uberoi explore what these Medicare updates could mean for patients, care teams, and access to care:

Millions are struggling to access high-quality, whole-person primary care. Patients are facing long wait times and short visits when they do get in. And roughly one-third of Americans don’t have a long-term, trusted relationship with a clinician to partner with them on their care journey. Deteri...

02/24/2026

Collaboration opportunity for Iowa Community Health Workers!

HealthTeamWorks, with partnership funding from Molina Healthcare, is launching the Rural CHW Learning and Network Collaborative — a place for rural CHWs to connect, share real-world experiences, and support one another.

Our first session is tomorrow!
Wednesday, February 25 | 2:30 PM CST

You’re welcome even if you can’t attend every session — join whenever you can!

Learn more & register:
https://healthteamworks.org/news/training-networking-and-feedback-opportunities-for-iowa-chws/

Rural CHW Learning and Network Collaborative (Iowa) With partnership funding from Molina Healthcare, we are forming the Rural CHW Learning and Network Collaborative—a no-cost opportunity for Iowa Community Health Workers (CHWs) to build skills, connect with peers, and support one another. In this ...

02/23/2026

This American Heart Month we are sharing a story close to our community. Our lead CHW Instructor, Tinika Roland, a Des Moines mother, is raising awareness about inherited heart disease after her son’s lifesaving heart transplant and her own diagnosis with a genetic heart condition.
By learning their family history and pursuing genetic testing, her family was able to take preventive steps — including a device that has already saved her life.
Her message is simple but powerful:
Knowing your family history can save lives.
See the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqoWHhu-ArU

02/18/2026

New Specialized Training Opportunities for Community Health Workers!

We’re excited to launch two new no-cost trainings for Community Health Workers:
• Maternal Health for CHWs
• Mental Health for CHWs

Thanks to our partnership with Iowa Total Care, these self-paced courses are available to CHWs who have completed foundational training or hold a CHW certificate.

Build specialized skills and strengthen the support you provide to your community.

👉 Learn more and enroll: https://communityhealthworker.org/additional-chw-training/healthteamworks-trainings/chw-specialized-trainings/

02/12/2026

A new report from the Milbank Memorial Fund, The Physicians Foundation, and the Robert Graham Center of the American Academy of Family Physicians delivers a powerful reminder: primary care is essential in the fight against chronic disease.

The report finds that having a usual source of primary care:
- Increases preventive service use
- Reduces chronic disease burden
- Slows disease progression
- Lowers health care costs

Yet fewer Americans report having a regular source of care.

Addressing heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic conditions requires sustained investment in primary care access, payment reform, and workforce development.

Read the full report:

This analysis shows the tangible benefits of primary care access for people with chronic disease, including substantially lower hospitalization rates and health care spending.

02/10/2026

Heart health isn’t just about one appointment—it’s about daily habits, ongoing support, and meaningful conversations that help patients make changes that stick.

This American Heart Month is a powerful reminder of the critical role healthcare teams play in supporting cardiovascular health. From improving nutrition and physical activity to managing stress and chronic conditions, patients are more likely to succeed when they feel heard, supported, and empowered.

That’s where health coaching makes a difference.
Strong coaching skills help care teams communicate more effectively and motivate patients to take ownership of their heart health by:

- Asking the right questions that uncover what truly matters to the patient
- Using Motivational Interviewing to strengthen readiness and confidence for change
- Partnering with patients to set realistic, achievable goals

Build these skills with the HealthTeamWorks Clinical Health Coach® v-Fusion Training.
Designed for healthcare professionals, this hybrid program strengthens communication skills and practical coaching techniques to support lasting behavior change.

📅 Next cohort starts March 4
- Live virtual skills practice with peers + self-paced learning

Learn more and register: https://healthteamworks.org/chc-v-fusion/

02/09/2026

A strong interest from states, combined with the flexibility of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), is highlighting a renewed commitment to primary care across the country.

Check out some recent state examples in a new PCC article:

A strong interest from states, combined with the flexibility of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), is highlighting a renewed commitment to primary care. Many governors and state lawmakers have agreed to allocate parts of their federal grant to strengthen primary care, and, in some insta

02/06/2026

February is American Heart Month!

Managing heart disease—and other chronic conditions—takes more than clinical knowledge. It takes skilled communication, trust, and ongoing behavior change support.

The Clinical Health Coach® v-Fusion Training helps care teams strengthen patient engagement using evidence-based coaching and Motivational Interviewing—skills proven to support chronic disease self-management, medication adherence, and sustainable lifestyle changes.

We have a new v-Fusion cohort starting March 4. Enroll now to secure your place in this upcoming cohort.

Cohort Details:
- Starts March 4
- Wednesdays | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM CST
- Hybrid format: self-paced learning + live, small-group virtual skills practice

If your work supports patients managing heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, or other chronic conditions, this training is designed for you.

Learn more & register: https://healthteamworks.org/chc-v-fusion/