National Community Health Worker Week celebrates the CHW Team working with Farmworkers

The contribution of Community Health Workers was the recent focus by the National Association of Community Health Worker Association.

The Warwick Area Farmworker Organization has worked with a team of Community Health Workers (CHW) over the last two years but historically, worked with CHWs for more than 25 years.

Wide range of services

Community Health Workers are trusted members of the community, who receive training to deliver health information. They provide outreach and support to members of the community by making home visits. The CHWs are aware of the resources in their community and serve as important links to those services. They offer a wide range of service areas, including:

Assisting farmworkers and their families in accessing mental health services;

Supporting programs which reduce isolation and promote community; and

Provide health education on topics including diabetes, child safety and management of chronic health conditions.

Mental health

One recent example of their work was during a parent’s program of Dulce Esperanza (Sweet Hope), the summer enrichment program for children of farmworkers. They presented on mental health to more than 60 farmworker parents.

These services are particularly important when you consider the need. Mental disorders continue to be common, widespread and disabling. Every year, more than 1 in 5 New Yorkers has symptoms of a mental disorder. Moreover, in any year, 1 in 10 adults and children experience mental health challenges serious enough to affect functioning in work, family and school life. The impact of COVID and increased isolation for farmworkers has exacerbated these issues.

‘Their on-going efforts have made a real difference’

“The role of Community Health Workers has been recognized by health care organizations across the country,” WAFO Executive Director Kathy Brieger said in the press release detailing the program. “They are able to connect with the community they serve through lived-experience which makes them more effective in helping people achieve better health outcomes. Their work in the Orange County area has included child safety, diabetes, health risks associated with climate change and mental health. We are proud of their accomplishments and outreach to the farmworker community. Their on-going efforts have made a real difference.”

For more information or to become involved with the Warwick Area Farmworkers Organization, visit www.wafarmworkers.org or visit the group’s Facebook page.