The Vision of the Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition is Health Equity for All Kansans.
In Kansas, a Community Health Worker (CHW) is 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 worker to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary 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.
Modified from the American Public Health Association definition of a CHW on July 10, 2017.
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.
Modified from the American Public Health Association definition of a CHW on July 10, 2017.
Kansas CHW Core Competencies
Professionalism & Conduct
Handling ethical challenges, individual confidentiality, balanced care, acting decisively, observing organizational rules, etc.
Self-Awareness
Being aware of one's own emotional and behavioral responses
Service Coordination & System Navigation
Coordination of care and system navigation for families and individuals
Education to Promote Healthy Behavior Change
Information, tools and encouragement to help improve health & stay healthy
Advocacy
Work on behalf of people to exercise rights and gain resources
Individual and Community Capacity Building
Helping develop confidence and ability to assume increasing control over health & well-being
Effective Communication Strategies
listening carefully and communicating respectfully
Cultural Responsiveness
Act as cultural mediators to improve services and reduce disparities
Documentation & Reporting
promote coordinated services and documenting work activities and client interactions
Use of Public Health/Community Health Concepts & Approaches
Evidence-based discipline focusing on protecting and promoting population health, prevention, & eliminating inequities
Individual Assessment
Ongoing process to gain insights
Community Assessment
Determine barriers and resources
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