Supporting Real Conversations: Introducing the Community Health Professional Flipbooks

Across Tribal, Urban Indian, and community health settings, Community Health Professionals (CHPs) play a vital role in supporting health and wellbeing. They are often trusted community members who help bridge systems of care—connecting people to services, sharing health information, and supporting individuals and families in navigating complex health systems. Their work is relational, grounded in trust, and rooted in community.

At The Raven Collective, we recognize that CHPs are often asked to talk about topics that can be sensitive or stigmatized, including HIV, Hepatitis C, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), harm reduction, and sexual health. While these conversations are essential to prevention and care, they can sometimes be difficult to start without the right tools.

To support these important conversations, we have developed a series of Community Health Professional Flipbooks.

These flipbooks are designed to be practical, easy-to-use tools that CHPs can use in real-world settings—whether during home visits, outreach events, clinic encounters, or community gatherings. Each flipbook includes clear visuals and simple explanations that help make complex health topics easier to understand. The format supports a conversational approach, allowing CHPs to walk through information alongside community members in a respectful and non-judgmental way.

The flipbooks cover topics across the syndemic landscape, including HIV, Hepatitis C, STI prevention, testing, treatment, and harm reduction. By presenting these topics together, the materials help reflect the realities that many communities face—where health issues are interconnected and influenced by social, cultural, and structural factors.

Importantly, the flipbooks are designed to reduce stigma and normalize conversations about health. They support CHPs in meeting people where they are, answering questions, and helping individuals understand options for testing, prevention, and care.

These tools are part of The Raven Collective’s broader work to strengthen the public health workforce serving Indigenous communities. Through the Indigenous Syndemic Pathway for Community Health Professionals, we aim to support CHPs with training, practical resources, and culturally grounded approaches that reflect the strengths and knowledge within our communities.

Community Health Professionals are often the first point of connection for people seeking information or support. By equipping CHPs with tools that make conversations easier and more accessible, we hope to strengthen prevention efforts, support earlier access to care, and help communities move toward greater health and wellbeing.

We are grateful to the many partners and community members who helped inform the development of these resources. Together, we continue to build tools that support community-driven health solutions.

Funding for this work is possible through the Indian Health Service and the Minority HIV/AIDS Fund.

For more information on the Flip Books or to order one, please contact Alicia Edwards.