Community Health Workers

According to the American Public Health Association, a community health worker is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.

CHWs may function differently in various settings across the state; it is important to remember there is no “one-size fits all model.” A community health worker also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.

Community health workers empower individuals and communities by linking them to vital health and social services, navigating both local and state systems with care and clarity. 

Other Titles

• Community Care Coordinator
• Community Health Representative
• Community Outreach Worker
• Community Health Educator
• Community Health Advisor
• Community Health Promoter
• Family Service Worker
• Peer Counselor
• Promotor(a) de Salud
• Outreach Specialist
• Patient Navigator
• Public Health Aide
• Interpreter

Do CHWs have to be certified to work in Oklahoma? 

No, CHW certification in Oklahoma is voluntary. In 2025, the Oklahoma legislature created a framework for CHW certification. However, the law clearly states that certification is not required to work as a CHW in Oklahoma.