MISSION

To maximize the voices of Community Health Workers and strengthen the profession’s capacity to achieve healthy, equitable communities throughout South Carolina.

VISION

Health and Equity for all South Carolinians.

WHO ARE COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS?

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are frontline health workers. Although CHWs may have diverse job titles, they are trusted members of the community they are serving and/or have a thorough understanding of the community, and are committed to addressing the health needs of the individuals with whom they are working. This trusting relationship permits CHWs to connect individuals to health care and social service resources in the community and to improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. CHWs have the capability to address social determinants of health in order to improve health outcomes of the individuals they are serving. CHWs build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach to individuals in their environment, community education, counseling, social support and advocacy.