Question

1. What do CHW's do and where are they employed?

2. What does Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 require?

3.What are some issues that can arise with the use of ad hoc interpreters?

Answer 1

1. CHWs are community health workers. They provide basic health services within the community. They are also involved in the prevention of diseases, treatment and rehabilitation care in the community. They are also known as village health worker, community health advisor, community health promoter, health auxillaries etc. They offer direct health services like first aid, assistance in midwifery procedures especially in rural areas, provide translation services, provide health education, give counselling services and guidance on healthcare matters. In addition they act as advocates for individual and community needs especially the healthcare needs.

Community health workers work in all geographic settings including urban, rural and metropolitan areas, border regions etc. Their roles vary according to the setting they are working. They are more commonly working among the communities which are marginalized and underprivileged and those who lack access to quality health care due to various reasons. Those who are working in the health facilities provide case management, education, interpretation and follow up care. Some community health workrs are employed by government agencies and non profit organizations to provide health education, preventive services and organizing community health care services.

Community health workers are dedicated individuals who work for the development of the community mainly by connecting people to needed health care information and services.