What is a Community Health Worker (CHW)?
Community Health Workers are frontline public health workers who come from the same communities that they serve. CHWs get it that life is hard sometimes, and they are ready to help without judging. As trusted members of a neighborhood, WellAWARE CHWs meet clients where they are and help them get to where they want to be. Our Community Health workers are bridges to better health and health care–for you, your loved ones, and your entire community.
What do WellAWARE Community Health Workers Do?
- Make it easier for you to get good medical care.
- Help you find a doctor who listens to you and respects you.
- Provide free rides to medical or dental appointments.
- Talk with you about healthy living and chronic disease.
- Help you complete paperwork and get benefits you deserve.
- Help provide access to healthy food.
- Speak up for healthy changes for your whole neighborhood.
- Meet with you in your home or other community spaces.
- Hold fun events for your neighborhood to come together.
- And so much more, depending on your needs!
How much will it cost to get help from a Community Health Worker?
It’s FREE. There will never be a charge to you or your insurance carrier. It’s also voluntary—you can quit anytime.
What qualifications does a Community Health Worker have?
Our Community Health Workers (CHWs) receive extensive state-approved training. One requirement we have is that our CHWs live in the same neighborhood that they serve, so this is truly neighbor-to-neighbor care. CHWs do not provide medical coverage or replace the need to see a doctor when necessary.
Who can our Community Health Workers help?
WellAWARE Community Health Workers currently serve two sites. In the city of Charlottesville, we cover the Rose Hill, 10th & Page, Starr Hill, Fifeville, and Ridge Street neighborhoods. Our rural site, based at the Yancey Community Center in Esmont, covers Scottsville, Northern Buckingham County, Eastern Fluvanna, and Southern Albemarle counties. If you’re not sure about the borders of these sites, just give us a call! We can let you know if your address is covered.