Community Health Workers (CHWs) are lay people from the community, who have been trained to function as members of the health care team; they function as a bridge between patients and the health care system. CHWs advocate, facilitate and organize access to health and social services for an identified group of patients. They serve as liaisons between high risk, high cost patients and their health care providers. They are available to visit patients in their home, and accompany them to clinical appointments. CHWs have frequent contact and conduct follow up with patients. The goal is to demonstrate improved care, improved health and lower costs. While the actual functions of Community Health Workers may vary by size and type of practice, healthcare specialty, or patient needs, all Community Health Workers must possess fundamental competencies to be successful in the role of working with patients towards the overarching goal of increasing appropriate utilization of health care services, particularly among under-served populations.
Temple University, in partnership with District 1199C Training and Upgrading Fund, joined together to develop the curriculum for the Community Health Worker Training Program.
Temple University is an approved CHW training program provider, certified by the PA Certification Board.