A community health worker is an individual that works to improve social determinants of health and acts as an intermediary between a community and health services or social services. These public health professionals have the goal of: a) facilitating access to services b) improving the quality and cultural competence of service delivery; and c) increasing the health knowledge and self-sufficiency of an individual or a community through outreach, capacity building, community education, informal counseling, social support, and other similar activities. Read more

A Community Health Worker is different from a Case Manager because of the following: a) A CHW comes from, lives in, and has shared background, barriers and experiences with the individuals or communities they serve, b) A CHW is a trusted voice within the community they serve, c) A CHW focuses on addressing social determinants of health and improving the quality of life of an individual or community.

A CHW works anywhere a client may be in need of assistance; for example, healthcare clinic, mental health facility, nursing home, local health department, school district, neighborhood center, government or state agency, community-based or faith-based organization, and many more. Moreover, it’s also common for a CHW to work with historically underserved, underrepresented and hard to reach communities; for example, rural, underinsured, unsheltered, queer and digitally disadvantage communities, etc. Read more

If you are in need of assistance, you can connect with a CHW by contacting us at info@uchwa.org. Please make sure to leave your contact information and the best time to reach you. 

Community Health Workers intervene to improve the health outcomes of underserved, underrepresented and hard to reach populations. These public health professionals ensure that the delivery of healthcare services are provided in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner to diverse populations. The work of CHWs also helps decrease the cost of healthcare and the strain on healthcare institutions. This career pathway is a great option for professionals interested in community engagement, public health, social work & medicine. Read more

Community Health Workers (CHWs) is a broad term that encompasses a range of frontline public health workers, including promotores de salud, outreach specialists, peer health promoters, community health representatives, community health educators, community care coordinators, family support workers, community health advocates, health navigators, and others.

The skills needed to become a Community Health Worker include but are not limited to; communication, interpersonal and relationship building, facilitation, care coordination, navigation, capacity building, community outreach, cultural and linguistic competency skills. Additionally, an understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion are also essential for this work.

Currently, you can access CHW training and acquire CHW relevant skills through the Core Skills Program. More information on this program and the application process can be found on the Healthy Environments Active Living (HEAL) program of Utah Department of Health and Human Services website. Read more

The Core Skills Program is a voluntary program issued by the Healthy Environments Active Living (HEAL) program of Utah Department of Health and Human Services (UDHHS). Trainees receive 90 hours of online core skills training offered by UDHHS and other partner training sites. Students will receive training centered on the National Community Health Worker Association C3 project standards and will acquire a strong CHW Knowledge base after the completion of this program. Read more

Please keep in mind that the completion of this Core Skills Program is not considered “State Certification” since a Community Health Workers State Certification pathway did not exist in Utah until the recent passage of bill S.B. 104 - Community Health Worker Certification in March of 2022. 

CHWs that completed the Core skill Program interested in obtaining CHW State Certification must submit an application, meet all state eligibility requirements and demonstrate proper documentation once the rules and procedures regarding CHW State Certification are established and published.

The pathway to Community Health Workers State Certification was made possible after the passage of bill S.B. 104 - Community Health Worker Certification in March of 2022.

Implementing SB104 Community Health Worker Certification is a priority to our association. At the moment, the Utah Community Health Worker Association, the Utah Public Health Association and the Utah CHW Coalition are currently working on developing CHW State Certification curriculum and approval criteria for prospect training sites.

Future updates and developments of the processes of CHW State Certification will be shared through this website.