Community health worker (CHW) is an umbrella term for staff who provide health education and information, refer clients to health and social services, provide informal counseling and support, offer direct service such as first aid and health screening tests, and advocate for individual and community needs.

Examples of CHW titles include: ‘promotores’ or ‘promotoras’, ‘camp health aides’, ‘lay health workers’, ‘outreach workers’, ‘peer educators’, ‘community health representatives’, ‘colonia health workers’, or ‘indigenous or village health workers’.

CHWs work in community settings to promote health among populations that lack access to adequate health care and to connect health care consumers and providers.

In 2004, CHWs from health centers and related agencies in Washington State sought a networking venue to discuss best practices and resources, and to receive training. Together with our partner, the Washington Association of Community and Migrant Health Centers, we developed and launched the Community Health Worker Network.

Activities of the network include:

• Regular networking and sharing of best practices
• Peer-to-peer training, mentoring, and problem solving
• Capacity building training
• Bi-National Health Week-related events
• The opportunity to gain Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) continuing education units through topic/disease specific training

The network meets quarterly at various locations. For information about upcoming meetings or trainings, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (206) 783-3004 ext. 16.