RHHD shine light on community workers for National Community Health Worker Awareness Week
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are shining a light on community health workers in recognition of National Community Health Worker Awareness Week.
The week, which runs from Monday, Aug. 25, to Saturday, Aug. 30, highlights services offered by community health workers.
"Community Health Workers help families get care, learn about their health and find local resources,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Director of Community Programming Margo Webb. “Their work makes an impact across Richmond City and Henrico County every day. We're proud to celebrate them and all they do to keep our communities healthy."
Community health workers are considered trusted members of the community who "act as a bridge between their communities and health institutions," according to a Wednesday release from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
These individuals serve at RHHD clinic and resource center locations and meet people where they are at community events.
Health officials said these workers promote healthy living and allow people to seize control of their lives.
VDH said RHHD community health workers provide residents access to the following:
- Clinical services offered at RHHD and in the community, including:
- Family planning
- Cervical and annual breast exams
- Immunizations
- Tuberculosis (TB) screening
- Opioid overdose reversal training
- Chronic disease screening
- Health and wellness education
- Medicaid and Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) referrals
- Referrals to support groups
- Economic resources
- Parenting education
- Health screenings for newcomers to the U.S.
Those looking to request these workers -- who also work closely with partners like Shalom Farms, Waymakers Foundation, Feed More and Richmond Behavioral Health Authority -- at a community event can fill out this online form.
For more information, visit RHHD's website.
