We are excited to share the vibrant and impactful moments from our recent 2023 Community Health Worker Initiative Fall Biannual Forum, a gathering that delved into the heart of community health workers (CHWs) and emphasized their vital contributions in Mecklenburg County. This dynamic gathering brought together a diverse group of participants, including CHWs, CHW allies, and representatives from numerous organizations with an interest in the profession. The forum aimed to create a sustainable infrastructure that truly values and supports frontline public health workers through powerful dialogue, collaborative discussions, and a collective commitment to elevate the role of CHWs.  

Charting New Horizons

This year’s 2023 CHWI Fall Biannual Forum commenced with Honey Estrada, President of the North Carolina Community Health Worker Association. Estrada discussed advanced levels for the CHW certification, a new membership platform, and state advocacy efforts taking place. Towards the end, we were able to witness the grand reveal of the NCCHWA revamped website with photos featuring CHWs from the Queen City Community Connect Coalition. 

Collective Approval for Impact

A central activity that led to active engagement among attendees was Mecklenburg County’s Community Health Worker Initiative Comprehensive Action Plan Overview. During this collaborative session, handouts detailing outcomes and strategies regarding three main goals were discussed. Attendees were able to review the following goals: 

1. Community health workers increase their skills, abilities and access to resources that improve community, household, and individual social determinants of health. 

2. Organizations employing community health workers provide long-term investments and the support necessary for community health workers to sustain their employment within the profession/agency. 

3. Mecklenburg County’s network of health providers maximize the resources available for community health workers to improve population health. 

Upon review, participants went through a collective approval process ranking strategies important to them. 

Forging Alliances through Partnerships

The heart of the forum beat with a spotlight on community partnerships that aims to elevate the CHW profession. South Piedmont AHEC and Camino Health Center showcased their transformative project, highlighting an innovative job shadowing model in community and clinical settings. Their presentation not only revealed their commitment to nurturing the next generation, but also opened avenues for networking to recreate a similar opportunity elsewhere. 

Amplifying CHW Voices and Stories

The forum closed with an impactful CHW panel discussion that allowed for CHWs to highlight their roles, contributions, and success stories. CHW representatives from different settings shared their experiences on CHW core competencies, roles, and essential skills. Attendees heard from Stephanie Therrell from Alliance Health, Tammy Marshall-Reed from Novant Health, and Simone Gales from Care Ring. Their collective stories painted vivid pictures of positive health outcomes by the crucial role CHWs play in serving Mecklenburg County residents. The call for resource sharing echoed throughout the room, further underlining our commitment to collective impact. 

In sum, the shared experiences, collaborative discussions, and spirit of unity linger as 2023 comes to a close. The emphasis of CHWs, their allies, and the shared commitment to uplifting and elevating the workforce has set the stage for a sustainable health care infrastructure that values those on the frontline of community health. Together, we’ve created ripples of change that will resonate and amplify the impact of CHWs for years to come.