What is a Community Health Worker?

Trusted Health and Social Service Advocate

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are trusted advocates, educators, and navigators of the clients they serve – largely due to their deep understanding of their lived experiences, and of the communities where they reside.

They assist with connections to care and resources to help meet their client’s health and social needs.

Other Titles for Community Health Workers

Community Health Workers have many other titles, among them:

  • Patient navigator
  • Peer counselor/educator
  • Outreach worker

Where They Work

CHWs work in a variety of settings including:

  • Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)
  • Health systems
  • Schools
  • Public health departments

Community Health Worker Shortages in Ohio

  • At any given time, 500 CHW jobs in Ohio are unfilled
  • Studies have shown that these professionals help reduce the number of hospitalizations and improve clinical outcomes of people living with chronic diseases.

 

 

 

 

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