Congratulations to our recent cohort of Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification graduates! WellShare is committed to elevating the community health workforce through providing scholarships, training, and employment opportunities to rising community health leaders.

In honor of her commitment to public health, we would like to share the “why” of recent graduate and new staff member, Tahani.

“I chose to pursue CHW certification because I have a strong passion for helping people and making a difference in my community. Community health work allows me to directly engage with individuals and families, providing them with the support and resources they need to lead healthier lives.

“I believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare and information, and becoming a certified CHW is a way for me to contribute to achieving this goal. I believe that community health work is a vital component of the healthcare system, as it helps to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.

“I wish people and the general public knew that CHWs are valuable members of the healthcare team who play a crucial role in improving health outcomes in communities. CHWs are often from the communities they serve, which gives them a unique understanding of the cultural, social, and economic factors that impact health. They are able to build trust and rapport with community members, making them more effective in promoting healthy behaviors and connecting people to healthcare services.

“Community health work is special because it focuses on the holistic health of individuals and communities. CHWs not only address physical health issues but also consider social determinants of health, such as access to healthy food, safe housing, and education. By addressing these underlying factors, community health work can have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of communities.”