Community-Based Work vs Community Health Worker?

– Community-Based Worker (CBW): a broad term for people working within communities to meet a variety of social, economic, and health needs.
– Community Health Worker (CHW): a specific role within that workforce focused on health and wellness — connecting individuals to healthcare, offering health education, and promoting prevention and well-being.

No matter the title, these workers are vital partners in building healthier, more connected communities!

At North Sound ACH, we use the term community-based workforce to describe the individuals who walk alongside community members every day — helping them access resources, navigate systems, and break down barriers such as language, transportation, or cultural differences.

This workforce includes many trusted roles and titles: community health workers (CHWs), community health representatives (CHRs), community navigators, outreach workers, promotores/as de salud, family advocates, doulas, patient navigators, and others who connect people with the supports they need to thrive.

Many CBWs bring lived experience to their roles, allowing them to understand and respond to the realities their communities face. They often support individuals and families offering wraparound care from health, housing, food access, and other social and economic challenges.

Since 2023, we have been bringing together CBWs from across the region to learn, connect, and celebrate the essential role they play in keeping our communities healthy and thriving. These gatherings were created with CBWs and for CBWs to share tools for the field, build relationships, and strengthen the collective voice of our regional workforce.

Whether you’re a CBW looking for professional development, a partner hoping to better understand the CBW workforce, or a community member wanting to support this vital work—you’re in the right place

In this section you can explore our previous gatherings and resources shared during the events. If you’d like to know about future events and learning opportunities click here to sign up for our news updates. Have more questions? Connect with us Hub@NorthSoundACH.org.