Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has awarded a grant to the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) to develop a campaign aimed at supporting community health workers (CHWs) across the state. Community health workers are integral members of their communities, serving as liaisons between healthcare services and community members. They assist in accessing health services and improving service delivery through outreach, education, counseling, support, and advocacy.

The grant will fund efforts to increase awareness about CHWs' roles and enhance their integration into public health systems. It also aims to expand the supply of qualified CHWs in Illinois.

"Illinois’s public health depends on building trust within our communities," stated IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "Community health workers are critical frontline workers who have a close understanding of the communities they serve. IDPH is excited to partner with IPHA to help many caring, dedicated individuals find career paths as community health workers. Our goal is bolstering the inclusion of CHWs in care teams to improve the health of their communities."

Tom Hughes, Executive Director of IPHA, emphasized the importance of CHWs: "Community health workers are essential to building trust in public health. We’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when CHWs are supported and recognized as part of the care team." He noted that this campaign would allow them to strengthen partnerships and ensure more communities receive necessary care.

The Campaign to Advance the Community Health Worker Workforce in Illinois initially provides up to $25,000 for developing a multi-year plan. IPHA may receive further grants totaling approximately $2 million over three years for implementation.

Established in 1940, IPHA is an affiliate of the American Public Health Association and focuses on strengthening public health throughout Illinois by mobilizing partners and promoting equity.

Under this initiative, IPHA will collaborate with various partners including the Illinois Community Health Workers Association, Illinois Primary Health Care Association, National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, and The HAP Foundation.

For more information about this campaign or ongoing workforce development efforts by IPHA, visit www.ipha.com.