Community Health Workers and Representatives

Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Community Health Representatives (CHRs) are an important part of the health and social service system in New Mexico.  According to the American Public Health Association

A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the CHW to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.

The New Mexico Department of Health, Office of Community Health Workers (OCHW) has developed a standardized, statewide training program and a certification process for community health workers (CHW). Check here for information and application forms in English and Spanish.

The NM Community Health Worker Association is assisting CHWs in obtaining certification. View their informational presentation.