Honoring Our Everyday Superheroes for National Community Health Worker Awareness Week

Dean Davis Photography

From August 26-30th , we will be celebrating National Community Health Worker Awareness Week at BHT, an opportunity to highlight and raise awareness of the incredible contributions of community health workers (CHWs), our everyday superheroes. These heroes don’t wear capes or fly through the sky; instead, they walk through our neighborhoods, clinics, and homes, working tirelessly to support and uplift their communities.

Why is National Community Health Worker Awareness Week Important?

National Community Health Worker Awareness Week serves as a celebration and reminder of the key role CHWs play in bridging gaps in our healthcare system. These dedicated individuals are often the first point of contact for many people seeking healthcare advice or support. By highlighting their work, we not only show appreciation for their efforts but also raise awareness about the essential services they provide, which many times go unnoticed.

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 served. This trusting relationship enables CHWs to serve as a link between health/ social services and the community they serve, facilitating access to services and improving the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. CHWs also build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy (APHA, 2009).

The Value of Community Health Workers to the Community

CHWs are instrumental in promoting health equity by ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, have access to the information and resources they need to lead healthier lives. Their efforts help reduce health disparities, improve chronic disease management, and foster healthier communities. 

As we celebrate National Community Health Worker Awareness Week, we want to recognize and appreciate the dedicated, everyday superheroes we are grateful to have among us in eastern Washington. Throughout the week, we will share profiles of CHWs from our region.