Resource Library

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER?
Patient navigators. Outreach workers. Health coaches. These are a few of the roles filled by community
health workers – frontline health workers who can play a critical role in improving health.
Their expertise is in the communities they serve. Most of what affects people’s health happens outside the
doctor’s office, and community health workers are well-positioned to make sure medical care is most
effective.
WHAT DO COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS DO?
Community health workers build relationships with patients that allow them to address their needs in a
holistic way. For example:

WHY DO COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS MATTER?
Research shows community health workers can improve health outcomes and save money for the health
care system by ensuring people get the right care. They are especially effective in reaching people who are
not well served by the health care system.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?
There are hundreds of community health workers serving people across Connecticut, but most are funded
through short-term sources, such as grants, rather than more sustainable funding through the health care
system. This means that even effective programs often have to shut down if grant funding goes away.
Nearly ALL states are working to better integrate community health workers into the health care system.
More than a dozen states now certify community health workers, which can give the field more recognition
and provide assurances for organizations – such as health insurers and health systems – that might pay
for their services.
Connecticut does NOT currently certify community health workers, but a state-appointed panel has
recommended that the state create a voluntary certification program for community health workers.