Community Health Worker (CHW) Program
Montana Office of Rural Health/AHEC exists to enhance access to quality healthcare, particularly primary and preventative care, by improving the supply and distribution of healthcare professional through community/academic educational partnerships. Our partnerships have created programs and committees to support Montana communities and the state's healthcare workforce.
What is a Community Health Worker?
The American Public Health Association (APHA) defines a CHW as “a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the CHW to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. The CHW also builds 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.”
Why train Community Health Workers?
The roles of Community Health Workers are tailored to the communities that they serve. Generally, CHWs promote access to services, provide health education, support care delivery, and promote advocacy. Since CHWs are typically community members, they have strong community connections and greater opportunities to build relationships and extend the reach of healthcare services. Research consistently demonstrates that CHWs increase care outcomes and quality of care in rural populations. The training and retention of CHWs is essential for improving healthcare for rural Montanans.
Questions?
Natalee Wheeler
Project and Training Coordinator
natalee.wheeler@montana.edu
(406) 994-6858
This program is supported by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official view of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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