Warren Mayor Gregg Reep signed a proclamation on Thursday, August 31 declaring the week of August 28 to September 1, 2023 as Community Health Workers Awareness Week.
In the proclamation it states:
“The role of Community Health Worker (CHW) received a U.S. Labor Classification in 2010, updated in 2016 and is defined: promotes health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serves as an advocate for the health needs of individuals
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By assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Conducts outreach programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and community health. May deliver health related preventative services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May also collect data to help identify community health needs.
“WHEREAS the National Association of Community Health Workers and the Arkansas Community Health Workers Association define a CHW as 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 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.”
CHW’s have performed their duties in the United States since the 1960’s assisting many underserved citizens.
