Unlock Your Potential: Become a Community Health Worker
At the heart of every strong community lies a group of dedicated individuals committed to uplifting others, Community Health Workers (CHWs). This week, as we celebrate Community Health Worker Awareness Week, we invite you to explore the incredible impact CHWs have and consider joining this vital workforce.
A Journey from Struggle to Success: Meet Aashia Williams
Aashia Williams, CHW, is a 35-year-old determined female with lived experience that allows her to assist the populations she serves in Sussex County. Aashia went from being a teen mom to struggling with homelessness, a period of time that lasted from the age of 8 until about 22. It was during this time, Aashia and her two children moved between shelters and staying with family and friends. Not only was Aashia working through the challenges of homelessness, but she was also struggling with mental health issues. Eventually, she became involved with the Division of Family Services.
Even though Aashia found housing, she unfortunately encountered challenges with her landlord, resulting in the loss of yet another home and the need to separate from her children temporarily. Despite the hardships, she found solace in knowing her children were well cared for with food, shelter, and clothing. It has taken Aashia six years to get where she is today, but she can happily say “my credit score has gone up and I vow to be prompt on paying my bills”.
During a site visit to the Pallet Village in Sussex County, Kristy Handley, Project Director, and Jennifer Parsons, Project Manager for a federal HRSA grant with the Sussex County Health Coalition (SCHC), had the opportunity to meet Aashia. As Aashia discussed her career aspirations, Kristy and Jennifer suggested she consider becoming a Community Health Worker (CHW). Intrigued by the idea after learning more about it, Aashia decided to pursue CHW training.
She completed in-person training offered by the Division of Public Health and received a stipend from the HRSA grant to cover expenses. Her instructors praised her as an outstanding student with great potential. Aashia was later placed within the same homeless village where she had once lived, to help others in similar situations. She has since embarked on Delaware’s first formal CHW apprenticeship program and, upon completion, will receive her journey papers and also earn certification as a Health Literacy Specialist, a training paid for through the SCHC grant and offered from the Institute for Healthcare Advancement (IHA).
With support from family, friends, Shephard’s House, and Sussex County Health Coalition, Aashia is now on her way to building a career that will lead to economic growth. Reflecting on past experiences of living in tents, motels, and her late mother’s vehicle outside churches and shelters, she feels a deep sense of humility and gratitude. She is proud of her strength and believes that she is fulfilling her late mother’s wishes through her perseverance and achievements.
Make a Difference: Why You Should Become a CHW
If Aashia’s story inspires you, it’s because it highlights the essence of what it means to be a CHW. Community Health Workers are more than just healthcare providers; they are the bridge between communities and the resources they need to thrive. By becoming a CHW, you have the opportunity to:
CHWs In Your Community
Hear directly from CHWs in your community about their rewarding experiences and why they chose this path:
“The CHW training was fundamental to building my skillset and preparing me for the CHW role within my community. Interacting with other students was the key component. I learned a lot about other communities outside of my own, and I was able to broaden my horizons. Keeping an open mind is crucial to getting the full experience. The exercises and conversation topics were all relevant to the real-world experience and encounters I have had in the workplace. Finally, at the end of the training, getting connected to recruiters and job postings, as well as the CHWA were all great benefits to getting a start in the field. To anyone considering taking the training, I ask you why not? Why not learn more about what you can do for your community, why not take the time and build your character, why not learn more about the problems affecting our communities?”
-Gabe Nichols, CHW
“CHW training has helped open my eyes to another side of healthcare. I am able to help families and friends with their needs. I’ve learned to face cultural humility with an open mind and avoid letting my own biases influence my view of others and their situations, which will allow me to better help those in need. I have something new under my belt and am looking forward to diving into my new career.”
-Aashia Williams, CHW
“My experience in the CHW training has been a great one. I learned a lot of information during training. I have been able to apply that knowledge in my current position as a CHW with a local small family practice doctor. Helping patients in our community has been rewarding, and I look forward to growing in my position and helping many more people in our community.”
-Heather Jordan, CHW
A CHWs Mission
Now that you’ve heard firsthand from CHWs about their transformative journeys, let’s dive into the core principles that define their vital role: the Six Pillars of Community Health Workers.
These pillars are the foundation of what it means to be a CHW. When you join this field, you become a vital part of your community’s health and wellbeing.
A Special Proclamation: Honoring CHWs
In recognition of the invaluable contributions that Community Health Workers make to our society, we are proud to announce a special Proclamation for Community Health Worker Awareness Week. This proclamation honors CHWs for their tireless efforts in improving public health, reducing disparities, and empowering communities.
Save The Dates!
Community Health Worker Celebration
2024 CHW Summit
Join us for the 2024 Community Health Worker Summit hosted by the Community Health Workers Association of Delaware.
When: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Bally’s Dover Casino Resort 1131 N. DuPont Hwy., Dover, DE 19901
This summit is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow CHWs, share experiences, and learn from industry leaders. Mark your calendars, you won’t want to miss it!
Interested In Becoming a CHW?
Get trained! Community Health Worker (CHW) Training is a no cost certified curriculum offered by the Delaware Division of Public Health.
Ready to make a difference in your community?
Ask Your Community Health Questions Here
Do you have questions about our partners, healthcare policies, or what to expect in a CHW training? Ask away, and we’ll answer your question in our following newsletter!
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