So, What is a CHW?

A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a trusted, frontline public health worker who serves as a vital bridge between health and social services and the communities they serve. What makes CHWs uniquely effective is their lived experience and deep-rooted connection to the community—often being members of the very populations they support. This shared background fosters trust, relatability, and cultural competence, enabling CHWs to engage more authentically with individuals who may otherwise face barriers to care, such as language differences, stigma, or systemic inequities.

CHWs typically possess firsthand understanding of the challenges their communities face, such as navigating complex healthcare systems, coping with chronic illness, or managing socioeconomic hardships. This perspective allows them to provide empathetic support, deliver culturally appropriate health education, and advocate for community needs with credibility and insight. Their roles can include health coaching, resource navigation, peer support, and grassroots organizing.

In essence, a CHW’s value lies not only in what they know, but in who they are—a connector, advocate, and champion shaped by shared experiences and sustained by a strong sense of commitment to community well-being.