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Community Health Worker (CHW) Movement in Hawai'i: Moving Towards a CHW Association
Jessica Yamauchi1, Rie L Kuhaulua1, Stephanie Moir1
1Hawai'i Public Health Institute, Honolulu, HI (JY, RLK, SM, RVF).
Insights
Allies support the establishment of a professional association for Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Hawai'i. This association aims to foster shared learning, networking, and advocacy for CHW professional development.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Community Health
- Workforce Development
Background:
- Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Hawai'i have been organizing since 2017.
- A strategic plan was developed in 2018 to establish a professional CHW association.
- Support for a professional association comes from governmental, university, and public health organizations (allies).
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the perspectives of allies supporting a professional association for CHWs in Hawai'i.
- To highlight the benefits and potential impact of a CHW professional association.
- To advocate for CHW-led efforts in establishing their professional body.
Main Methods:
- This is an editorial presenting perspectives and support.
- It summarizes the history of CHW organizing and strategic planning efforts.
- It outlines the role of allies in supporting CHW professional development.
Main Results:
- A professional association for CHWs in Hawai'i is a desirable outcome for many.
- Such an association can serve as a platform for learning, networking, and advocacy.
- Allies play a crucial role in supporting CHW-led initiatives and advocating for the workforce.
Conclusions:
- Establishing a professional association is vital for the advancement of CHWs in Hawai'i.
- Allied support is instrumental in securing resources and promoting the value of CHWs.
- A professional association can address key issues like training, reimbursement, and certification for CHWs.
Abstract:
This editorial presents the perspectives of allies - a group of governmental, university and public health organizations that support the creation of a professional association for CHWs in Hawai'i. We support the efforts of CHWs as they organize and move towards establishing a professional association. Hawai'i CHWs have held monthly meetings starting in 2017 to discuss variety of issues around their work and share information and experiences. A group of CHWs and allies developed a strategic plan in 2018 in preparation to establish a professional association. They shared the results with colleagues from across the state. One desirable outcome for many was a professional CHW association. Such an association could be a forum of shared learning, information sharing, networking, and advocating for workforce and professional development issues, such as training, reimbursement for services, credentials, and certifications. Furthermore, allies support CHW-led efforts to develop an association, for instance, by securing diversified funding sources for CHW trainings, networking, and planning activities. Allies also help by informing supervisors, employers, and policymakers about the importance of trainings and other workforce and professional development for CHWs. A professional association for CHWs in Hawai'i could be useful to many. This editorial provides more insights into this topic.