We all know them – people who neighbors turn to for trusted health information, advise, or to help find their way through the many barriers they face trying to access health resources and services. They are sometimes called the “In-between People” – serving as bridges between their communities and these systems. But do you know that these natural helpers have evolved into an actual health profession?
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are known by many names such as health promotors, navigators, advocates, home visitors, outreach workers, and community health representatives (in tribal programs). Studies show they increase access to care, improve chronic disease prevention and control, improve health literacy, and help others navigate complex processes and systems. At a broader level, CHWs work with community members and leaders to cultivate a healthy community environment and advocate for health equity. You can find them working in health and human service organizations, schools, non-profit groups, and faith-based organizations. They have deep roots in the communities and cultures of New Mexico.
Back in 2009, the American Public Health Association defined CHWs as “frontline public health workers” – prompting the U.S. Department of Labor to create a new occupational code that pulled over 110 job titles under the umbrella of “Community Health Worker”. Those advancements set the stage for UNM-Taos to create New Mexico’s first credit-bearing training program for CHWs in 2010. Shaped by decades of on-the-job training – along with CHW and employer feedback – the competencies established by the program were adopted by the NM Department of Health (NMDOH) as the standards for the state. Graduates earn a Certificate in Community Health that qualifies them for state certification, and credits can transfer to undergraduate degrees in fields such as in Public Health, Health Education, Family & Consumer Sciences, and Social Work.
The program meets 12 Fridays a semester for two semesters, making it convenient for working people and their employers. The Certificate can stand alone or be “stacked” to other health worker credentials. It also can serve as a professional credential added to an existing degree, or as an educational gateway to an array of health and human service careers.
Instructors are seasoned practitioners of the competencies they teach, and have worked as or with CHWs in a variety of settings. An advisory committee of senior CHWs serve as co-trainers, practice mentors, and provide valuable guidance to the program.
“We are a fit for anyone who wants to make a difference in their community. They may be working in the field already, want to enhance their skills, and become state certified. Or, they may be new to the work altogether. We count on everyone walking through the door with a PhD in “life”. This expertise is the foundation for building skills and knowledge for serving others, so all backgrounds and life experiences are valued and welcomed into our community of practice – it enriches learning for everyone”, said Juliana Anastasoff, the program’s founding director.
