Kim Wilson, Lifelong Community Health Worker, Addresses the Washington Health Care Authority to Advocate for Community Health Workers Across The State
/Kim Wilson, Community-Based Workforce Program Manager at Better Health Together and a dedicated lifelong Community Health Worker, addressed the Washington State Health Care Authority, passionately advocating for the Medicaid reimbursement of community health workers (CHWs) in non-clinical settings.
Anyone who knows Kim—or has been touched by her work—can attest to the undeniable impact she has. Kim is a beacon of light. From the moment you meet her, her warmth and positivity are contagious, and she has an incredible ability to make everyone around her feel seen, heard, and valued—regardless of their background or circumstances. Beyond her uplifting spirit, Kim is a fierce advocate. She isn’t afraid to speak out, especially for those whose voices often go unheard.
For Kim, being a community health worker is not just a profession—it’s a calling. It’s a life’s work that extends well beyond the confines of a 9-to-5 schedule. As she shared in her testimony: “Community health workers are the heart, the head, and the hands of their communities. We are the true unsung heroes, the ones who bridge the gap and help people access the care they need. The work we do requires immense trust, patience, and a deep commitment to building lasting connections.”
Kim’s words are a powerful reflection of not just her own dedication but the collective strength and resilience of all CHWs. They are often the unseen backbone of our healthcare system, offering support that goes far beyond what can be measured.
Without the tireless efforts of individuals like Kim Wilson, we wouldn’t be able to make the strides we need to truly improve community health. Kim embodies the heart and soul of this work—showing up every day for those who need it most and standing firm in her belief that everyone deserves equitable access to care and support. Her advocacy isn’t just about policy; it’s about people and making sure that no one is left behind.
Kim’s advocacy for CHWs does not stop here. As a recognized leader in the field, she has been selected to participate in the NACHW/PIH-US 3rd Annual Capitol Hill Visit in Washington, D.C., from March 11-13, 2025. There, she will continue her efforts by meeting with lawmakers to push for long-term Medicaid reimbursement for CHWs in non-clinical settings. This event is a crucial opportunity to elevate the voices of CHWs on a national stage and secure the sustainable resources they need to continue their work in underserved communities.
Better Health Together is proud to have Kim Wilson on our team and to highlight the profound impact she has made across Washington State, transforming both communities and individual lives.
Read Kim’s statement to the Washington State Health Care Authority below.
February 4, 2025
To: Health Care Authority
Subject: Rules in Chapter 182-562 WAC
Hello esteemed members,
Thank you for continuing to look for funding options for the community-based workforce. As a result of the continued support of community health workers, both in clinics and in community, supervised by medical providers, we have seen significant improvements in our region of eastern Washington.
I have been a CHW for as long as I can remember, and I took the Department of Health CHW training in 2016. I have been a member, lead, and admin support for Eastern WA CHW Network (2016 - present); State CHW Leadership committee member (2020-2023); NACHW Policy Advisory Committee member (2024-Present). I have also served as a regional CHW training partner (with DOH) 2017 – 2021), DOH CHW Statewide Trainer (2021-2023). I have been a strong advocate, supporter, and I have stood alongside CHWs in our state and beyond.
CHWs are the heart, the head, and the hands of their communities. They are the true unsung heroes of connecting folks to the care they need. The support that they provide goes beyond the typical 9-5pm workday, and requires a large amount of trust and patience to make lasting community connections. I would like to share an example of two stories today, but there are so many more I could tell.
In many rural communities, CHWs not only meet clients where they are, but really build bridges to care for the folks most in need. There was a CHW working with a client who had complex care needs, but was very distrustful. The CHW was from the community, and shared lived experience, but realized that in order to support this client, they would need to reach out to other community partners and create an integrated care team. She brought in a social worker, primary care, employment, housing, and family supports. They met as a care team to support this community member for 6 months. Now the client is thriving. This is the power of a CHW that works in community, not just in a clinical setting.
We also work with a CHW who works in a community setting that shares lived experience and culture with refugees and immigrants from Afghanistan. When I met her, she told me that many come in for 1 need, but that is not the entire story. Once trust has been established, what might seem like an issue with rental assistance leads to supporting them through addressing health-related social needs. For example, there was a community member who sent their son to speak with the CHW. The CHW met them at their home, because the elderly community member was blind and didn’t speak English. When they arrived, it was obvious that they needed support with more than just rental assistance. They needed a caregiver, food support, financial help, and cleaning (just to name a few). This CHW is still working with this client today. They have been able to support them with caregiving, food, and transport to doctor’s appointments.
At BHT, I support the CHW training and apprenticeship programs. I have been responsible for training hundreds of CHWs from 2017-2022. At BHT from 2023- 2025, we have trained 92 new and 24 existing CHWs in eastern WA. The training program fills up with a waiting list every time we release it, and has run almost entirely on word of mouth. We face a number of barriers in providing training and professional development to community health workers in our region, but the stories of impact remain a driving force for us to continue this work. We appreciate the work you are doing to get clinic based CHW funded by Medicaid and ask that you also explore Medicaid funding for the community-based workforce.
Thank you for your consideration,
Kim Wilson, Program manager
Community Health Worker Training Program & Apprenticeship, Eastern Washington
Kim Wilson shares what it means to be a community health worker (CHW) as part of a campaign to bring awareness to the work of CHWs and the important role they play in the healthcare delivery system.