Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a critical role in the health of their communities, linking diverse and underserved populations to health and social service systems. Based on their life experiences and roles as health influencers within their communities, CHWs work to reduce social and racial disparities in health care. CHWs can improve health outcomes and the quality of care while achieving significant cost savings.
The Community Health Worker (CHW) Leadership Committee is an ongoing, statewide, multi-stakeholder group representative of Washington State and our diverse communities. Most members are Community Health Workers (CHWs) and representatives of several CHW networks across Washington state. The CHW Leadership Committee also includes government agencies, health care systems, nonprofits, community colleges, and statewide associations. It builds on the 2018-2019 CHW Task Force recommendation to develop infrastructure within the CHW workforce.
The role of the CHW Leadership Committee is to:
In the spring of 2021, Washington State Department of Health (DOH) supported the creation of a Recruitment and Selection Committee.
This Committee included CHWs and sector representatives selected through an application process. This Committee developed the criteria and process for selecting CHW Leadership Committee members. The first CHW Leadership Committee meeting was held in October 2021, and the group continues to meet monthly.
We offer a no-cost 10-week core competency training program designed to strengthen the skills, knowledge, and abilities of community health workers. This training is offered quarterly online.
We offer FREE Continuing Education Health Specific Modules (HSMs) whether you have completed the Core Competency course or not. Those interested in HSM courses, may register for three courses per session. We offer two sessions per quarter.
Washington’s CHW community is growing! There are now several local CHW networks across our state as well as statewide and national associations.
Questions? Email us at chwts@doh.wa.gov.