The Crucial – and Overlooked – Roles of Community Health Workers

Community health workers are front-line public health workers who are trusted members of or deeply understand the communities they serve. These dedicated individuals receive specific training on how to improve connections between historically marginalized communities and the health care system.

In the U.S., community health workers provide a range of important services in many different settings. They may provide first aid, distribute educational materials, make home visits or accompany patients on trips to medical providers. They also can serve as “cultural brokers,” helping with language barriers and other impediments to quality care. They can work in hospitals, primary care clinics and public health departments, as well as on campuses or within local community organizations.

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