The HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) is committed to uplifting the vital workforce that supports millions of people across the United States in accessing quality health care. The professionals are known as Community Health Workers (CHWs), and in Latinx circles, also as Promotores de Salud.
CHWs work to improve access to healthcare systems and reduce the adverse health outcomes seen too often in communities of racial and ethnic minorities, living in rural areas or divested inner cities, residing on tribal lands, and individuals with limited incomes.
Keep reading for more information about HHS’ work to support CHWs.
CHWs are frontline public health workers who are trusted peers in the neighborhoods and communities where they live and provide services. CHWs are trained to provide various services to the audiences they reach, including:
- Teaching preventive health approaches,
- Identifying needs for healthcare in the communities they serve,
- Helping maneuver within health systems,
- Translating complex medical visits and aftercare needs,
- Linking people with resources for social and health services and related needs.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) charged the HHS OMH and other agencies with finding ways to level health outcomes for all segments of the U.S. population.
Some 60 years of studies show the positive impact of CHWs. CHWs culturally relevant connections reassure cautious communities, share health options and guide patients to financial and other resources needed.