As an American Diabetes Association accredited health educator organization, The Latino Health Insurance Program (LHIP) is certified to deliver diabetes education and support.  LHIP is also a U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognized organization, offering the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to people at risk for type II diabetes, and recognized as a Master trainer for individuals interested in leading these workshops.

Participants in the LHIP Healthy Coach Program train to become lifestyle and/or health coaches, learning to facilitate evidence-based health care workshops (virtually and/or in person) to help people living with and at risk for diabetes and other health conditions make lifestyle choices that support their health. Program participants gain skills needed to help individuals incorporate healthy behaviors to control the development of the disease, while gaining a better understanding of the importance of better nutrition and physical activity.

After completing the full training, participants will be able to conduct 5 health care modules, including the DPP, the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, the Diabetes Self-Management Program, The Fall Prevention Program, and blood pressure self-management monitoring trainings. Other topics covered and skills learned in this course include cancer education, working with older adults, calculating body mass index (BMI), weight management, and cultural norms and values for health care services.

All health care modules are available in Spanish and English.  Participants can complete the full 6- month LHIP Healthy Coach Certificate Program or select individual modules to complete at their own pace. The program also includes basic computer literacy classes.  Students participate in workshops in person or virtually, receive a certificate of completion for each completed module, and will receive a Lifestyle Coach certificate upon successful completion of the LHIP Healthy Coach Program.

Program graduates will be prepared to work in the health care field as health coaches, lifestyle coaches, and/or health educators or to move on to more advanced training, for example, working toward becoming Certified Community Health Workers (CHW) or a nursing career.  For those already working in the health care field, the skills learned in this program may be applied to the current position and/or better position the individual for advancement opportunities.

Based on participant’s career goals, the program assists graduates with job placement and/or referral to next level training.  Approximately 50% of program participants are expected to graduate with a job lined up.