CHWs are public health workers who apply their unique understanding of the experience, language and/or culture of the populations they serve in order to carry out one or more of the following roles:
- Providing culturally appropriate health education, information and outreach in community-based settings, such as homes, schools, clinics, shelters, local businesses and community centers
- Bridging and/or culturally mediating between individuals, communities and health and human services, including actively building individual and community capacity
- Assisting people to access the services they need
- Providing direct services, such as informal counseling, social support, care coordination and health screenings
- Advocating for individual and community needs
CHWs are distinguished from other health professionals because they:
- Are hired primarily for their understanding of the populations and communities they serve
- Spend a significant portion of time conducting outreach in the categories above
- Have experience providing services in community settings