“My goal is to ensure that each person gets the best possible care so they live longer and healthier and make wiser decisions. I show each person that they are important and that they matter.”
Rainelle Walker-White
Family Van
“I am humbled and blessed to serve our families. I work to bridge the gap between patients and health care providers with education, support and access to resources. If patients reach their best health and quality of life, I am happy to be part of the health care team.”
Niem Naykret
Behavioral Health Integration Care Coordinator/CHW | Lowell Community Health Center
“I am a proud Latina, change agent, innovator and leader. My role is to advocate, educate, promote health equity and build healthy communities. I have faith in the power of LOVE and UNITY.”
Jamie Berberena
Regional Chapter Coordinator | MA Association of Community Health Workers
“My mission is to reduce health disparities and foster healthier communities. I want to be a part of the solution to the challenges facing our communities, health care, public health and social services systems.”
Shawn Matthews
Program Coordinator, Infectious Disease and Special Populations | Whittier Street Health Center
Who Are Community Health Workers?
We May Come With Various Job Titles:
health navigators, outreach workers, community health advisors, peer health educators, family partners, promotores, peer support specialists, recovery coaches, therapeutic mentors, youth workers…
And…Our Work Always Includes:
- Building trust between underserved communities and healthcare providers
- Opening doors to care for vulnerable residents
- Helping people navigate the health and behavioral health systems
- Coaching people to adopt healthy behaviors
- Linking people to resources such as housing, food and other basic needs
- Preventing unnecessary hospitalizations through prevention and early intervention