The Texas Gulf Coast CHW/Promotors Association (TGCCPA) is a nonprofit association with a mission to meet the needs of the diverse CHW workforce throughout the Texas gulf coast by improving communication, providing access to resources, and improving job opportunities. The TGCCPA has established chapters of the association to accommodate CHWs in various metropolitan areas; hosts an annual conference with over 200 CHWs in attendance; sponsors quarterly meetings to both inform the CHW community and provide continuing education and has a growing membership as a result of these efforts.
Who Are Community Health Workers?
A community health worker — or promotor(a) de salud — is defined by Texas DSHS (Department of State and Health Services) as a person who, with or without compensation is a liaison and provides cultural mediation between health care and social services, and the community.
A CHW is a trusted member and has a close understanding of the ethnicity, language, socio-economic status, and life experiences of the community served. He or she assists people to gain access to needed services and builds individual, community, and system capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, patient navigation and follow-up, community health education and information, informal counseling, social support, advocacy, and participation in clinical research.
CHW’s Work in a Variety of Settings
- Health Centers
- Federally Qualified Health Centers
- Managed Care Organizations
- Public/Community Health Commons Facilities
- Hospitals
- Tribal Communities
- Community Based Organizations
CHW Roles
- Bridging/cultural mediation between communities and the health care systems
- Providing culturally appropriate and accessible health education and information
- Assuring that people get the services they need
- Providing informal counseling and social support
- Advocating for individuals and community needs
- Providing direct services
- Building individual and community capacity
- Acting as a member of the care delivery team
- Serving as a navigator
- Screening and health education provider
- Acting as an outreach/ enrollment/ informing agent
- Acting as a community organizer National
CHW Core Competencies
- Communication Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Capacity Building Skills
- Advocacy Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Case Management
- Knowledge of specific health issues
- Documentation
Twitter Campaign
We invite you to join TGCCPA’s #IAMACHW campaign!
It is essential that people not only see the work that the CHWs do but also understand why this campaign is so central to showcasing CHWs.
You can submit your own photo on the TGCCPA Facebook page and Twitter. So show your support, and give us your statement before“#I AM A CHW!”
Like and follow TGCCPA@WeAreCHWs on Twitter to get updates about new events and initiatives, and learn how you can help spread the word.
It’s so simple to get involved, and it has a great message.
Tweet your support on Twitter.
TGCCPA@WeAreCHWs
https://twitter.com/WeAreCHWs
Video Campaign
I am a CHW / Yo Soy Promotor(a) – Video Campaign
Texas Gulf Coast CHW/Promotores Association 