AMBASSADORS

Meet The Ambassadors

Community Helath Worker (CHW) Ambassadors are professionals who use their lived experience to provide education, outreach, navigation, and advocacy to communities, organizations, and government. They serve as a bridge between healthcare providers and community members, often working in underserved areas to ensure that everyone has access to essential health services.

Cancer Prevention

Chelsea Ferguson

Community Health Worker

Region: Northern

Concentration: Cancer Education

Bio Highlight: “My role is to educate and strengthen the trust within the African community about health and culturally sensitive topics.”

Dayana Camacho

Community Health Worker

Region: Central

Concentration: Cancer Education

Bio Highlight: “My calling is to lead, support, and connect Latino communities with local resources.”

Iris Gil

Community Health Worker

Region: Central

Concentration: Cancer Education

Bio: “I am very passionate about learning, teaching and helping raise awareness.”

Laura Alipaz

Community Health Worker

Region: Central

Concentration: Cancer Education

Bio: “I am very passionate about promoting health in my community.”

Community Engagement & Outreach

Marco Thomas

Community Health Worker

Region: Central

Concentration: Housing + Employment

Bio Highlight: “My calling is rooted in the premise of building deep connections within a community. Life experiences are key to building trust.”

Charlene Pitchford

Community Health Worker

Region: Central

Concentration: Community Resources

Bio Highlight: “I love serving my community. I find joy in being able to serve as a conduit of information and resources.”

Omega Boone

Community Health Worker

Region: Central

Concentration: Community Outreach

Bio Highlight: “My expertise lies in the effective connection with diverse populations, raising health awareness, and fostering strong community partnerships”

Jackie August

Community Health Worker

Region: Central

Concentration: Community Resources

Bio Highlight: “I love empowering others to advocate for themselves to overcome barriers to healthy living.”

Breanna Burke

Community Health Worker

Region: Southwestern

Concentration: Community Advocacy

Bio Highlight: “I am very passionate about foster care and dream of building a foundation for informing parents and protecting children.”

Chronic Disease + Diabetes Self-Management

Bennie Gates

Community Health Worker

Region: Central

Concentration: Diabetes Self-Management

Bio Highlight: “I love encouraging and promoting the principles of wellness. My life is a testimony of perseverance and resistance.”

Joanna Jones

Community Health Worker

Region: Central

Concentration: Asthma

Bio Highlight: “I am dedicated to improve people’s lives through educating, mentoring and building connections to meet community needs.”

Maternal Health

Charmine Henry

Community Health Worker

Region: Eastern

Concentration: Maternal Health

Bio Highlight: “I love being an advocate, educator, and supporter of pregnant women. I am also a certified doula and medical assistant.”

Mental Health

Kitt Mayo

Community Health Worker

Region: Southwestern

Concentration: Mental Health

Bio Highlight:Has a passion for community advocacy that continues to sharpen her leadership skills and inspires her to be the change she wants to see.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of health issues do community health workers address?

Community health workers at VACHWA are skilled at addressing a wide range of health issues, including chronic diseases, mental health concerns, substance abuse, maternal and child health, and infectious diseases.

What is the job outlook for community health workers?

Community health workers at VACHWA play a vital role in addressing a wide range of health issues, including chronic diseases, mental health, substance abuse, maternal and child health, and infectious diseases, through their work with individuals and communities.

What kinds of work settings do community health workers typically work in?

Community health workers in various work settings, including clinics, hospitals, schools, and community centers, play a crucial role in promoting health education and access to healthcare services. At VACHWA, we value the dedication and compassion of these frontline workers in improving the overall well-being of individuals and communities.

What is the role of community health workers in health promotion and disease prevention?

Community Health Workers play a vital role in promoting health and preventing disease by providing education, conducting outreach, offering health screenings, sharing information on healthy lifestyles, and linking individuals with essential resources to maintain their overall well-being.

What are some examples of programs that employ community health workers?

Community health workers may work for a variety of programs and organizations, including healthcare systems, community health centers, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. Examples of programs that may employ CHWs include diabetes management programs, HIV prevention programs, and maternal and child health programs.

What are common challenges that community health workers face?

Community health workers at VACHWA often grapple with inadequate training, lack of access to essential resources, and overwhelming caseloads. These challenges can hinder their ability to provide quality care and support to the communities they serve. Despite these obstacles, VACHWA remains dedicated to addressing these issues and empowering community health workers to drive positive change in the healthcare sector. related to the social determinants of health, including poverty, housing instability, and limited access to healthcare. They may also face challenges related to stigma, discrimination, and lack of resources. In addition, the work can be emotionally challenging, as CHWs often work with individuals who are dealing with complex health issues.

What impact do community health workers have on health?

Research indicates that community health workers play a crucial role in enhancing health outcomes and decreasing healthcare expenses, especially among marginalized populations. Studies have shown an enhancement in healthcare access, health literacy, and adoption of healthy behaviors in communities where community health workers are actively engaged.

VACHWA

The Virginia Community Health Worker Association (VACHWA) is led by industry professionals; who are committed to serving, developing and building their community through access to education and equity in public health.

QUICK LINKS

CONTACT US

Phone: 804-802-9909
Email: info@chwofva.com

1717 E. Cary Street

Richmond, VA 23223