Entering another season that challenges our respiratory defenses, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is doubling down on its efforts to keep communities informed and protected. A key strategy in their arsenal is the utilization of Community Health Workers (CHWs) – a group of frontline public health workers deeply embedded within the communities they serve. These workers are the bridge connecting rural farmworkers, and low-income households with the information and tools they need to fend off potential respiratory viruses.
According to a recent ADHS blog post, this partnership with CHWs is expected to play a pivotal role in reaching high-risk sectors that might otherwise be overlooked, a crucial step given the gravity of respiratory virus threats and the disparities that exist in healthcare. Corina Ojeda, the ADHS Health Disparities Program Manager, stated, "Respiratory viruses can pose a serious health threat. That’s why our partnership with community health workers is so valuable. They help break down health information barriers to high-risk communities by providing them with critical prevention tools."
But CHWs do more than just ward off respiratory illnesses; they are actively engaged in addressing a variety of health concerns ranging from nutrition to chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases as well as overall wellness programs which is essential because health isn't just about fighting off the latest bug it's about creating sustainable, healthier lifestyles.
Emma Torres, Executive Director of Campesinos Sin Fronteras, highlighted the holistic approach in a statement obtained by the ADHS, "Our mission is to promote substantive improvement in the overall wellbeing of farmworkers and low to moderate-income individuals by providing and facilitating access to health, behavioral health, social services, housing rehabilitation, counseling, education, environmental health, and workforce development." ADHS is not only recognizing the crucial role of CHWs through partnerships but is also facilitating a certification process for these workers through the ADHS Bureau of Licensing for Professions and Occupations, equipped with an option for a fee waiver for first-time applicants, exemplifying their commitment to embedding these health stewards firmly within the fabric of Arizona's healthcare system.