Inside the VACHWA Movement
VACHWA Because We Care
Virginia Community Health Worker Association
The Virginia Community Health Worker Association is a nonprofit organization led by passionate public health professionals and community advocates. Founded in 2014, our mission is to serve, develop, and build stronger communities by promoting education, equity, and access in public health.
We believe that every community deserves trusted advocates who understand the unique challenges they face. That’s why we work to empower Community Health Workers (CHWs) across Virginia—equipping them with tools, training, and support to improve lives and reduce health disparities.
10+ Years of Experience
VACHVA Advocacy Timeline
2016
VACHWA Joins the CHW Workforce Development Council (formerly known as CHW Advisory Group).
2017
The CHW Advisory Group is researching and analyzing CHW Certification Models in other states (TX, MD, NC, OR, etc.).
The association convened a CHW Focus Group to provide guidance on the "proposed" language and certification framework.
2018
IPHI + VDH identifies a legislative champion (Sen. Barker) to carry SB1280 + HB2004.
VCB launches certification through a Legacy Period for CHWS in April 2018. 57 CHWs were certified by 12/2018.
2019
VDH reconvenes key stakeholders and partners. And allies to create a legislative proposal to address the lessons learned in 2018.
Strategies
⮞ Clarify supervisory roles within the Dept. of Health Professionals.
⮞ Garner greater support from the CHW workforce.
⮞ Identify potential patrons for the 2020 session.
2020
VDH summits HB688 championed by Del. Aird
The bill unanimously passes both chambers.
The bill enacted provides:
⮞ Title Protections
⮞ VDH is established as the Certifying Body
2021
Legacy Period Ends with Only 5 Approved Training Providers.
VDH, IPHI, and VACHWA designed a certification survey to learn about CHW perspectives.
VACHWA creates a scholarship to subsidize the cost of certification/recertification.
Label
2024-2025
SB981 (2024–2025), led by Senator Ghazala Hashmi, advanced the recognition of Community Health Workers (CHWs) and strengthened their role within care teams. Building on this, SB275 and HB337 (2026) created sustainable funding and workforce pathways, positioning CHWs as a permanent part of Virginia’s healthcare system. Looking ahead, opportunities remain to further embed CHWs into care teams to support individuals navigating system changes and improve community-centered outcomes.
Mission, Vision and Values
Trusted Hands. Healthier Futures.
Our Testimonials
What Our Members Say
Excelente el curso , muy completo, agradecimiento a nuestra instructora profesional con muchas buenas cualidades, las actividades realizadas dejan mucho aprendizaje y estoy muy feliz por haber logrado culminar el entrenamiento de cancer ambassador.
Anonymous
Community Health Worker
Exchanging information in the chat. It is good to share ideas with colleagues we maybe only see in remote settings.
Anonymous
Community Health Worker
It is a challenge around work time, but that is also the only time to get the most participants.
Anonymous
Community Health Worker
My favorite part of the virtual meeting was listening to both speakers.
Patrice
Community Health Worker
I loved the in-person part because of the networking activities.
Binnie
Community Health Worker
Great training, very interacting with multiple approaches to learning; please if possible include a 5-minute break about midway through. Keep up the good work and thanks for offering the training AND a certificate of completion to be used toward (re)certification credits 🙂
Anonymous
Community Health Worker