Defining Community Health Workers

Community health workers (CHWs) are a unique and varied workforce, representative of the communities they serve. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2023, there were over 58,500 CHWs employed in the United States.

The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system, maintained by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, defines CHWs as workers who:

“Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.”

CHWs have many other titles, which vary depending on their specific role and where they work. Some of the professional work titles CHWs may use include:

• Community health advisor
• Community health representative
• Healthcare extender
• Lay health advocate
• Outreach educator
• Peer health promoter
• Peer health educator
• Promotor(a) de salud