Community Health Worker Program
Background
In 2022, Better Health Together (BHT) was selected to receive a Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Community Health Worker (CHW) training grant to help expand the CHW workforce in Adams, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, and Stevens Counties.
As this program sunsets in September 2025, we are no longer accepting new applications. We invite CHWs to stay engaged through the Eastern WA Community Health Worker Network, where connection, support, and learning will carry on beyond this program’s end.
About Community Health Workers
The Washington State CHW Task Force defines a Community Health Worker (CHW) as: “A frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has a close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship allows the CHW to serve as a liaison between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.”
CHWs act as outreach workers or patient navigators who can facilitate individuals’ connection to care, facilitate patient follow-up, complete medical insurance applications, address food insecurity, transportation and housing issues, health literacy, and providing informal counseling and emotional support.
The Washington State Department of Health offers a Community Health Worker Training Program designed to equip CHWs with core competencies to support individuals and communities across the state. The program is free, self-paced, and open to all Washington residents. Learn more the Community Health Worker Program.
Stay connected with fellow Community Health Workers and community-based workforce members by signing up for the Eastern Washington CHW Newsletter! Get updates on upcoming trainings, networking events, resources, and ways to stay engaged in the field.
