In an effort to offer health center personnel remote avenues for continuing education, CHAMPS hosts live, online webcasts specifically designed for Region VIII health centers throughout the year. Please refer to the descriptions for each event for more information about available credit, topics, presenters, etc. Most* CHAMPS live distance learning events are FREE for all health centers (Health Center Program Grantees and FQHC Look-Alikes) and Primary Care Associations (PCAs) in Region VIII (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, and WY), including computer link and CE credit, and fees for links to webcasts and/or CE credit may apply for other participants unless otherwise indicated in the descriptions for each event below. Please visit the Region VIII Health Centers and PCAs page to determine if your organization qualifies for free participation in most live CHAMPS distance learning events. Please visit the Online Archived CHAMPS Distance Learning Events webpage for recordings of past events. *Intensive courses like Spanish Language Training and Supervisor/Manager Training courses have fees associated, despite being virtual during the pandemic.
For information about online CHAMPS Podcasts, please click HERE.
For information about upcoming CHAMPS Project ECHO Learning Communities, please click HERE.
Please click or scroll down to view descriptions of upcoming live CHAMPS Distance Learning Events:
2023 Maternal Health Learning Series
The CHAMPS 2023 Maternal Health Learning Series: Supporting and Advancing Perinatal Health is a FREE series that was created in partnership with the HRSA Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs (IEA) Region VIII Office. This three-part, virtual series will feature speakers from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Mountain Plains Addiction Technology Transfer Center (MPATTC), the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), and the March of Dimes. Health center care team members will discuss the latest in maternal mortality and morbidity data as well as the impact of substance use disorders and perinatal mental health concerns in new mothers. Screening recommendations, clinical tools, and resources will be featured.
Reducing Stigma in Pregnant People with Substance Use Disorders
Speaker: Maridee Shogren, DNP, CNM, CLC, Mountain Plains Addiction Technology Transfer Center (MPATTC) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Recording Available
Event Overview: Stigma associated with substance use disorders (SUDs) is a significant barrier to detection and treatment efforts. People with SUDs who are pregnant and/or parenting are particularly impacted and experience many different forms of stigma and adverse encounters when seeking healthcare services. Strategies to reduce barriers related to stigmatizing attitudes and practices were also addressed.
Perinatal Mental Health Awareness, Screening and Treatment
Speakers: Robin Landwehr, DBH, LPCC, NCC, Behavioral Health Specialist and Independent Consultant and Amy Ushry, RN, BSN, MPH, American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG)
Recording Available
Event Overview: This session addresses awareness about common perinatal mental health concerns often experienced by persons during pregnancy and in the first year postpartum. Information about validated screening tools appropriate for use in various settings was discussed along with a brief overview of treatment options. This session also included an overview of two Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) bundles addressing perinatal mental health and perinatal substance use disorders.
The Role of Health Centers in Addressing Maternity Care Deserts
Speaker: Elizabeth Cherot, MD, MBA, President and CEO, March of Dimes
Date/Time: Thursday, December 14, 2023 | 1:00–2:30PM MT (2:00–3:30PM CT)
Event Overview: More information coming soon.
Registration: Registration for this FREE series is now open to staff from Region VIII (CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY) health centers. Please complete the registration form HERE. An Outlook invitation with the Zoom link will be shared within two business days of registering.
Please contact the CHAMPS Clinical Quality Improvement Director with any questions.