Did you know there are about 800 community health workers in New Mexico? The New Mexico Community Health Workers Association recently celebrated its 20^th anniversary, but many are unfamiliar with the role community health workers have and why they are so important to local communities in New Mexico.

In this blog, SHARE New Mexico sheds light on the role of community health workers in New Mexico and why they are such an important part of our state’s health care delivery system. First, let’s look at some community health worker FAQs.

Community Health Worker FAQs

What is a Community Health Worker?

A community health worker acts as a liaison between the local community and health care and social services. He or she usually comes from the community being served and has a close understanding of the ethnicity, language and socio-economic status of the community. 

What does a Community Health Worker Do?

The role of a community health worker is varied, but the primary job of a community health worker is to help facilitate access to local health and social services. This may include help with health education, nutrition, maternal and child health, chronic disease management, family planning and more, depending on the needs of the community.

As frontline workers, CHWs are in a position to know the unique needs of the community, as well as the community resources available. In New Mexico, groups like the New Mexico Community Health Workers Association are also committed to improving the quality and cultural competence of the health and social services provided.

Is there Certification for Community Health Workers in New Mexico?

Yes, recently, the New Mexico Department of Health began to certify community health workers in New Mexico. This voluntary certification process for community health workers is based on the 2014 Community Health Workers Act signed by Governor Susana Martinez.

“The purpose of grandfathering is to provide experienced community health workers the opportunity to earn certification through a combination of employment and or volunteer service,” Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Retta Ward said in a release.

Requirements for the grandfathering process:

• Verification by a current or former supervisor of proficiency in the core competencies. 
• Two letters of reference on agency/program letterhead. 
• Applicants must provide formal, verifiable documentation to support each requirement. 
• 2000 clock hours of formal CHW work and/or volunteer CHW experience within the scope of work and core competency field. 
• Following the grandfathering application, mandatory background check.

The Department of Health’s Office of Community Health Workers accepts only hard-copy applications for certification.A link to application forms, in English and Spanish, is available on SHARE's Community Health Worker Page. All inquiries regarding certification may be directed to [email protected]. You can also call the Santa Fe office at 505- 827-0015 or the Las Cruces office at 575-528-5145.

SHARE New Mexico Interviews BJ Ciesielski, CEO of the New Mexico Community Health Workers Association (NMCHWA)

SHARE New Mexico’s Wendy Wintermute recently attended the New Mexico Community Health Workers Association’s annual conference to celebrate the organization’s 20^th anniversary. After the conference, Wendy caught up with BJ Ciesielski to ask the following questions about community health workers in New Mexico.

Wendy: What makes CHWs special? Why are they such an important part of a health care delivery system?

BJ: Of course, many do come from the community and speak the language of the people they serve. But I think you almost have to be born to be a CHW. CHWs have a passion and a rapport that lets them relate to people, to develop a trusting relationship. People will tell CHWs things they won’t tell their doctors, or even their friends.

Wendy: Why are CHWs being recognized now, after all these years?

BJ: I think it’s because of the Affordable Care Act, which emphasizes and funds prevention efforts. There have been many CHW programs in the past that have had an impact on people’s lives, but these were funded through grants and other “soft” money. When the grants were over, so were the programs, with many CHWs losing their jobs.

Resources for Community Health Workers in New Mexico—SHARE New Mexico & NMCHWA Team Up!

As the number of CHWs in New Mexico continues to grow, the need for resources for community health workers is growing, too. That’s why SHARE New Mexico is pleased to be partnering with the NMCHWA to develop comprehensive resources for community health workers in New Mexico. SHARE's Resource Directory includes contact information, service descriptions and referral information for health and social service facilities, programs, and organizations throughout the state. The community health worker resources provided on SHARE New Mexico will help CHWs easily access healthcare providers and specialized services for patients and clients in their care.

We count on CHWs to help keep the SHARE Resource Directory up-to-date as information about organizations and programs change, and we are currently working with the NMCHWA and other health worker organizations to identify how best to get useful information into the hands of CHWs and those they serve. 

How have community health workers impacted YOUR community? Let us know in the comments!