As part of ORH’s goals to bolster rural population health and health equity, we are committed to supporting the work of rural Community Health Workers (CHWs) across Oregon.

The Oregon Health Authority defines a Community Health Worker as “a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served.” 

To understand more about the important and impactful role CHWs play in rural communities, Rural Health Information Hub writes:

“[Community Health Workers] are critically important in rural areas where health services are limited, particularly culturally appropriate and individualized services. CHWs often share characteristics with the population they serve, such as ethnicity, socio-economic status, language or medical condition. While CHWs have traditionally worked with racial and ethnic minority populations, in recent years, they have come to serve a wider variety of rural, urban, and underserved populations.

 CHWs in rural areas work to improve health care outcomes by facilitating health care access, adding value to the health care team and enriching the quality of life for their patients and clients, including those who are poor, underserved, and in racial and ethnic minority communities. CHWs act as a liaison between providers and consumers in rural and urban communities. Services may include:

• Culturally-appropriate health and prevention education
• Referrals for a wide range of health and social services
• Assistance in navigating the health services system and coordinating care
• Advocating for individuals and communities within the health and social service system
• Tracking and supporting progress in managing chronic conditions and achieving health goals
• Basic health screening tests”

ORH is also the fiscal agent and partner in the Healthy Rural Oregon program, which is coordinated by the Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials.

Stepha Dragoon with any questions or inquiries.