“A community health worker (CHW) is 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 worker 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.”
—American Public Health Association
Research shows that community health workers are proven leaders in the fight to end health disparities and increase vaccine equity. Health Departments in Virginia have come to rely on paid community health workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but as emergency funds are running out, there aren’t resources to keep these important staff members employed. VICPP would like to see another route to funding staff community health workers through local health departments. Check out this FACT SHEET to learn more!