Community-Oriented Workers in Local Health Departments

Community-oriented workers play a vital role in local health departments by serving as a bridge between public health systems and the communities they aim to support. Roles such as community health workers (CHWs), outreach specialists, and peer navigators bring deep knowledge of local needs, cultures, and resources, enabling more effective communication, trust-building, and service delivery. Below are resources to learn more about the benefits that community-oriented workers bring to local and state health departments and to assist with integrating and supporting them effectively.