What are Community Health Workers?
Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers who are members of the communities they serve, or who have a close bond with such communities. Because of the trust between CHWs and their communities, they’re able to act as liaisons between public health, the health care system, social services, and their communities.
Some of the crucial tasks completed by CHWs include:
- outreach
- health system navigation
- education
- informal counseling
- social support
- advocacy
- health monitoring
Why do we need Community Health Workers?
Public health, the health care system, and social services, while well-meaning, can’t serve populations they don’t understand. CHWs offer invaluable lived experience in their respective communities, as well as knowledge in health care and public health. They provide such systems access to their respective communities, allowing for effective reach.
Far more importantly, however, CHWs serve as advocates for the communities they serve, connecting members with resources to meet needs that might have otherwise gone unmet. They serve as representatives of their respective communities, ensuring their needs are voiced and holding systems accountable.
How do Community Health Workers work within the health care system?
CHWs are experts in the social determinants of health — factors outside of health care that impact the health and quality of life of individuals. Such determinants include:
- housing
- transportation
- racism
- violence
- education
- job opportunities
- income
- access to food
- opportunities for physical activity
- pollution and water quality
- literacy and language skills
Thanks to their expertise in social determinants of health, CHWs are able to connect community members with resources outside of the health care system that might indirectly improve their health, like:
- bus passes
- housing vouchers
- scholarships
- job training
- healthy food
- exercise classes
- educational opportunities
Community Health Workers are also able to administer basic first aid and screen for some diseases, like high blood pressure and pandemic pathogens like COVID. In hospital and clinic settings, CHWs are often part of the care team and visit clients at home or in the community. They may also work for governmental agencies, nonprofits, insurance companies, or faith- and community-based groups.
