Community Based
Workforce
What is a community based worker?
BHT uses the term community based workforce to refer to individuals who work directly with community members to provide access to resources and services, serve as an advocate to break down barriers like language or cultural differences, and connect them with vital supports. This workforce includes various titles and roles including community health workers (CHWs), community coordinators, community health representatives (CHR), street outreach workers, family health advocates, lay health workers, health advisors, promotores/as de salud, outreach workers, doulas, and patient navigators.
The community based workforce often has lived experience related to their work. They address a wide range of needs, including health, social, and economic challenges, often providing wraparound services that go beyond traditional workforce development. They build deep levels of trust with community members, which is crucial for effective engagement and support.
A CHW may be known by many titles, including Community Health Representative, Community Health Advisor, Health Coach, Family Advocate, Health Educator, Liaison, Outreach Worker, Patient Navigator, Public Health Aide, Patient Care Coordinator, and Promoters de salud.
What is a Community Health Worker (CHW) vs a Community Based Worker (CBW)?
A community based worker is a broader term encompassing individuals working within a community to address various social needs, while a community health worker specifically focuses on promoting health and wellness within a community, often by connecting individuals to healthcare services and providing health education.
What it Means to be a Community Health Worker
Opportunities to Engage
The Community Health Worker Network
The Eastern WA Community Health Worker Network was formed in 2016 and has since been an active, formal outlet for engaging Community Health Workers (CHWs) throughout the region. The network includes CHWs, allies, and partners interested in improving our region’s CHW workforce. Network members come from various organizations in education, healthcare, community based, local health jurisdiction, and non-profits.
The mission of the CHW network is to improve the health of all people in Eastern Washington by advocating for, connecting, educating, and empowering community connectors to reduce barriers and ensure equitable access to resources.
ADVOCACY
CHW workforce & the issues/needs that they see in the communities they work with on a local, regional, state, and national level.
CONNECTION
CHW’S meet through events, meetings, and social media.
EDUCATION
Providing professional development opportunities for CHWs.
EMPOWERMENT
Mentoring, recognition, building capacity and creating resources.
Read more about Community Based Workers and resources to support them
June 10, 2025
Category:
Community Health Workers, Social Care Network
In 2022, Better Health Together (BHT) was selected to receive a highly competitive Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Community Health Worker
April 8, 2025
Category:
Community Health Workers, Eastern WA CHW Network
From March 10th -12th , Kim Wilson, BHT staff member and Community Health Worker Training Program Manager, joined over 100 Community Health
February 5, 2025
Category:
Community Health Workers
Kim Wilson, Community-Based Workforce Program Manager at Better Health Together and a dedicated lifelong Community Health Worker, addressed the Washington State Health
