Public Health

Who is AmeriCorps, and what do they do?

AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that engages over 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet community needs in education, the environment, public safety, health, and national security.

What are community health workers?

Community health workers (CHW) are frontline public health professionals who are trusted members of a community. This intimate relationship enables a CHW to serve as a liaison between health care professionals, social services and the community to empower those in need. They work to increase healthcare knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities, including:

  • Outreach
  • Community education
  • Informal counseling
  • Social support
  • Advocacy

At Volunteers of America, our CHWs are navigators, outreach agents and health education providers helping those in need access services while also increasing a patient’s confidence when interacting with providers.