Community health workers
Community Health Workers
Community Health Workers (pronunciation: /kəˈmjuːnɪti hɛlθ ˈwɜːrkəz/) are public health professionals who serve as a bridge between healthcare providers and communities. They are often members of the communities they serve, which enables them to act as effective liaisons.
Etymology
The term "Community Health Worker" is derived from the English words "community", "health", and "worker". The concept of community health workers originated in the mid-20th century as a response to the lack of healthcare professionals in underserved areas.
Roles and Responsibilities
Community Health Workers have a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Providing health education and information
- Connecting individuals with healthcare services
- Advocating for individual and community health needs
- Collecting data on health status, needs, and resources
Related Terms
- Public Health: The science and practice of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities.
- Healthcare Provider: A person or organization that provides medical services.
- Health Education: The process of providing learning experiences that help individuals and communities improve their health.
- Health Advocacy: The process of advocating for policies and practices that promote health.
Training and Certification
Community Health Workers typically undergo training and certification programs to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge. The specific requirements vary by location and employer.
Impact
Community Health Workers play a crucial role in improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities. They are particularly effective in reaching underserved populations and addressing social determinants of health.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Community health workers
- Wikipedia's article - Community health workers
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