Community health workers

Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers who serve as a bridge between underserved communities and healthcare systems. They are often community members who share ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status, and life experiences with the community members they serve.

Roles and Responsibilities

Community health workers have a broad range of roles and responsibilities. They often serve as liaisons between health services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. CHWs also build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy.

Training and Education

The training and education of community health workers can vary greatly, depending on the specific needs of the community they serve. Some CHWs may have formal medical or nursing training, while others may have extensive experience in community outreach, health education, or social work. Many CHWs receive on-the-job training, and some states offer certification programs.

Impact on Community Health

Numerous studies have shown that community health workers can have a significant impact on community health. They can improve access to healthcare services, increase health knowledge and self-efficacy, and reduce healthcare costs. They can also play a critical role in addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and housing.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite their important role, community health workers face several challenges. These include lack of recognition, inadequate training, and low pay. However, there are also many opportunities for CHWs. With the increasing recognition of the social determinants of health, there is a growing demand for CHWs who can work at the community level to improve health outcomes.