Community Health Worker Initiative of Sonoma County
Advocating for a Culturally Diverse CHW Association in California
See CACHW http://cachw.org/
We wish to extend an invitation to all individuals and groups that identify as one of the many working titles of Community Health Workers. No matter what your immigration status, level of expertise, cultural background or language, whether you are paid or unpaid; if you identify with the American Association of Public Health Workers definition of a Community Health Worker, you will feel at home with us. We welcome you to join us in creating a supportive CHW association in Sonoma County
Actively work towards collaborative
self representation by and for Community Health Workers
through the promotion and participation in County, State and National CHW networks, organizations and associations
Work towards ending disparities and inequalities
in our communities because it is a matter of social justice
whether we are paid or unpaid
because it must be done
Honor and value each person’s unique life experience and believe that every person in our community has something to contribute
Dedicated to building a better, safe and healthy community for everyone in our neighborhood; without exception
Acknowledge and thank each of you for all that you have already done
and support your ongoing passion and commitment to the tasks that must still be accomplished
Let us join strengths and support each other
Who are Community Health Workers?
CHWs work under many different job titles such as Promotor(a) de Salud,Outreach Worker, Peer Educator and Patient Navigator. They are recognized by the Department of Labor as Standard Occupational Classification 21-1094 effective January 2010. The following definition adopted by the CHW Section is included in the 2009 APHA Policy Statement on CHWs (http://www.apha.org/advocacy/ policy/policysearch/default.htm?id=1393):
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 CHW 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. A CHW also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.