Virginia Community Health Worker Association – Helping Hands Helping Communities

The Virginia Community Health Worker Association (VACHWA) is a space for community health workers (inclusive of all titles) to network and grow personally and professionally through education and advocacy.

We want to see Virginia communities having better health outcomes so that individuals and families can live healthier and happier lives.

Inclusivity

We will be respectful and inclusive of all differences and provide professional opportunities for all professions that identify as community health workers.

Empowerment

We will support and strengthen the voices of CHW’s to grow and lead change in their community. We will highlight the work, need and benefits of CHW’s in Virginia communities.

Compassion & Empathy

We will have compassion toward the challenges and issues faced by CHW’s and their clients and communities.

Growth

We will support the continual personal and professional training and development of CHW’s through networking, education and peer support.

Shared Responsibility

We will encourage the shared ownership and active participation of our membership in achieving the mission, vision and values of the organization. We encourage integrity and reliability in carrying out our programs and services to members.

We Welcome you to VACHWA

Mrs. Denise Wise is a former CHW Supervisor for the Institute of Public Health Innovation (UPHI). In her current role, Ms. Wise works as a foster parent liaison for Jewish Family Services.
Mrs. Denise has a strong footprint in the development of CHW’s in Virginia. She spearheaded the constitution of the Virginia Community Health Worker Association. The pioneering group was under her leadership. She also supervised CHWs on multiple projects.