What are community health workers?
Determined Health features Community Health Workers (CHW). They are frontline public health professionals who are trusted members of a community. This intimate relationship enables a CHW to serve as a liaison between health care professionals, social services and the community to empower those in need. They work to increase healthcare knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities, including: outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.
At VOA, our CHWs are navigators, outreach agents and health education providers helping those in need access services while also increasing a patient’s confidence when interacting with providers.
Our Approach
Emphasizing Lived Experience
We listen to the lived experiences of those we serve — understanding they come with a unique story — and walk alongside them to ensure the care they receive optimal care.
Recognizing Social Determinants of Health
We understand there are multiple factors which impact a person’s health and well-being, and we strive to consider the whole person when addressing health.
Providing Care Where People Are
We strive to learn from the communities we serve. We meet people where they are by utilizing a person centered approach.
Recent News
VOA’s Tech-Enabled Approach to Community Health
April 2025
In the face of complex health and social needs, technology plays a pivotal role in how we provide services. Our community health workers speak to the vitality of their work and the ways they leverage technology to address social determinants of health.
Public Health AmeriCorps Grant Renewed for Third Year
July 2024
VOA’s Determined Health Initiative has been renewed for a third year! This grant money will continue the hard work, dedication, and advocacy shown by our Community Health Workers in Puerto Rico, VOA Wisconsin and Minnesota, and VOA Texas. We are so excited to have our work and partnership with Public Health AmeriCorps continue!
Community Health Workers Celebrate Advocacy Day
May 2024
Two community health workers at VOA Texas — Maryam Funmilayo and Caroline Fofana — attended the Dallas and Tarrant County Commissioners Court to accept a proclamation in recognition of Community Health Workers Week.
VOA AmeriCorps Teams Awarded Conference Scholarships
March 2024
Our Public Health AmeriCorps teams in Puerto Rico, VOA Texas and VOA Wisconsin and Minnesota were recently awarded scholarships to the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) annual conference. The teams will travel in July 2024 to the largest gathering of local health department leaders and public health professionals in the U.S.
Our Partners
For more information about the program:
Cindy Cota
VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH
