Honoring National Community Health Worker Awareness Week
By: Brittany Daniels, Director of Operations & Communications, Health Impact Ohio
This week, Health Impact Ohio proudly joins in celebrating National Community Health Worker Awareness Week. It is a time to honor the vital role Community Health Workers (CHWs) play in creating healthier, more equitable communities—places where every individual has the opportunity to live a fulfilling, healthy life. We invite you to celebrate with us and to uplift the work CHWs tirelessly provide to improve the health landscape of our communities.
The Role of Community Health Workers
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are trusted members of the communities they serve, uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between healthcare systems and individuals by delivering culturally relevant education, resources, and support.
CHWs support our communities in various ways, including:
Outreach & Education: Empowering individuals with knowledge about preventive care, health issues, and available services so they can make informed decisions about their health.
Navigating Healthcare Systems: CHWs support clients in navigating complex healthcare systems through supports such as scheduling appointments, understanding medical information, and accessing health resources to reduce barriers to care.
Building Relationships: By building relationships rooted in trust, CHWs develop a deeper understanding of the challenges and priorities within their communities. This understanding allows them to tailor interventions that resonate with individual and cultural nuances.
Advocacy: Amplifying community voices, raising awareness of local health issues, and advocating for resources, policies, and programs that serve underserved populations.
Our Work in Central Ohio
Health Impact Ohio manages a HUB that supports CHWs across Central Ohio—including Franklin, Delaware, Union, Madison, Pickaway, Licking, Fairfield, Ross, and Marion counties. Since 2019, CHWs in our HUB have served more than 9,000 unique individuals from marginalized and at-risk populations, completing over 62,000 connections to care, ensuring clients receive the resources they need. Through a whole-person, holistic approach, CHWs connect individuals to services ranging from medical and social service referrals to housing, employment, education, pregnancy care, and beyond.
Training and Workforce Development
To strengthen the CHW workforce in Ohio, Health Impact Ohio offers monthly statewide training (often with CEUs available) and our CHW Certification Training Program, certified by the Ohio Board of Nursing, offered at no cost to CHWs pursuing certification. Earlier this month, our Chief of Education, Dr. Tanikka Price, who champions our CHW Certification Training Program, shared her expertise at the National Community Health Worker Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Her presentation, “Healing Ourselves to Serve the Community,” uplifted and empowered CHWs as they continue their mission of service. Click here to learn more about the Health Impact Ohio CHW Certification Training Program.
A Call to Celebrate and Support
At Health Impact Ohio, we remain committed to recognizing and elevating the often-overlooked work of CHWs. Their dedication, compassion, and advocacy improve lives every day—and their impact deserves to be celebrated not only this week, but all year long. Together, let us honor the essential contributions of Community Health Workers and continue building pathways to healthier, stronger communities across Ohio.
