A Week of Honoring Community Health Workers
Community Health Worker Awareness Week is here! From August 25-29, 2025, we’re joining communities nationwide to celebrate the people who make health care more accessible, equitable, and human.
Community Based Workers (CBWs), including Community Health Workers (CHWs), Peer Navigators, Outreach Specialists, Promotores de Salud, and many more who serve in similar community-centered roles, do much more than provide services. They are connectors, educators, and trusted messengers who bridge the gap between systems and the people they serve. Their work is rooted in relationships, ensuring care reaches those who need it most.
What is a Community Health Worker?
The American Public Health Association (APHA) defines CHWs as frontline public health workers who are trusted members of and/or have a close understanding of the community they serve. This trusting relationship enables CHWs to act as a vital link between health and social services and the community, improving both access and cultural relevance of care.
CHWs strengthen community capacity by building health knowledge and confidence through outreach, education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy (APHA, 2009).
Community Health Workers are instrumental in advancing health equity.
They ensure that all people, regardless of background, language, or income, have access to the information and resources they need to live healthier lives. Their impact is far-reaching:
- Reducing health disparities by reaching those who are often overlooked
- Improving chronic disease management through education and support
- Fostering stronger communities built on trust, care, and connection
Investing in Community Health Workers means investing in healthier futures for us all.
As we honor CHWs this week, we will highlight stories from those doing the work every day. For Lavonnie, the importance of being a CHW is woven into every interaction:
“I’m honored to get the opportunity to work with people to make their lives better. It matters because people matter and being connected to community matters.” — Lavonnie, CHW.
Her perspective highlights the value of CHWs in strengthening systems of care through trusted, community-based relationships. Follow along as we share more meaningful moments from Eastern Washington’s Community Health Workers.
