Community Health Workers (CHWs) are frontline, trained and trusted individuals of the community who have deep connections and understandings of the community being served. Since 2017, through funding from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH), HIPHI has supported CHWs in securing and providing training and resources and assisted CHWs in building a grassroots association. HIPHI currently provides technical assistance to the Hawai‘i Community Health Worker Association and has partnered with DOH on CHW conferences, strategic planning sessions, and regional meetings around the state. Through the 2109 Community Health Workers for COVID Response and Resilient Communities (CCR) grant, HIPHI has also worked closely with DOH to train, deploy, and engage CHWs to address communities that are more affected by chronic diseases and decrease the effect of COVID-19. On a quarterly basis, HIPHI also convenes key CHW allies who are committed to supporting CHWs through trainings and resources.
Hawai‘i Community Health Worker Association
The Hawai‘i Community Health Worker (HICHW) Association was officially developed in 2022 by dedicated Community Health Worker and supportive allies throughout Hawai’i.
Mission: Empower and equip Community Health Workers to reduce health disparities by increasing access to trainings, education and multi sector collaboration.
Vision: Community Health Workers are recognized as integral partners to create lasting change to healthier communities in Hawai‘i.
To learn more about the Hawai‘i Community Health Worker Association, visit hichw.org
Community Health Worker Allies
HIPHI convenes CHW Allies every quarter to strategize ways to best support the growing Hawai‘i CHW workforce. These Allies are made up of a diverse group of professionals representing more than 15 different organizations, including health insurance companies, community-based organizations, community health centers, medical centers, academic entities, and more.
We mahalo our allies to support our CHWs throughout Hawai‘i. We acknowledge the expertise and the resources that assist in the growth of the overall CHW workforce.
Ally meetings are open to all individuals who do not identify as a CHW but have expert knowledge and the passion to support all CHWs serving their communities. For more information or to join these quarterly meetings, please email Rosi Filemoni at rosilyn@hiphi.org
Community Resistance and Resiliency
Through the 2109 Center for Disease and Control Prevention Community Health Worker Community Response and Resilience grant, HIPHI has supported in training, deploying, and engaging additional CHWs and Bilingual Health Aides (BHAs) to address related burdens from the COVID-19 pandemic and other chronic diseases.
CHWs and BHAs were deployed to non-traditional settings like local pharmacies, faith-based organizations, public housing, and community coalitions located on Hawai‘i Island, Maui, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i, O‘ahu, and Kaua‘i.
During the 2109 CHW CCR Project, HIPHI partnered with DOH and the Healthy Evaluation Team at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa team to create journey maps. There journey maps were designed to be a valuable tool to better understand, advocate, and support the journeys of CHWs showcase their positive impact within communities throughout Hawai‘i:
Workforce Sustainability
Through an infusion of federal funds and the urgent need to reach specific communities impacted by COVID-19, the Hawai‘i Community Health Worker workforce has grown. While this growth is exciting and desperately needed, we also must ensure that CHWs will continue to have employment following the pandemic. Numerous pathways to more sustainability and better wages for CHWs need to be thoroughly researched and vetted for Hawai‘i and must include input from our CHWs.
Working closely alongside the HICHW Association, CHW Allies, and additional consultants, HIPHI completed various research and reports on sustainability for CHWs in Hawai‘i. These reports identify what it would take to move sustainability efforts forward, specifically for the Hawai‘i CHW workforce. HIPHI continues working with Hawai’i CHWs and allies to determine the best path to sustain the CHW workforce and provide livable wages.
Financial Support and Sustainability of CHWs in Hawai‘i
November 2023
Hawai‘i Community Health Workers: Sustainability in Pay
October 2023
Community Health Worker Perspective on Credentialing
December 2022
In addition to sustainability efforts above,, HIPHI also served as a key member of the SCR16 SD1 Community Health Worker Professional Standards Task Force, convened by the DOH in response to Senate Concurrent Resolution 16 (2025). HIPHI contributed subject matter expertise and perspective as a statewide public health organization and major CHW ally.
Official Report to the 33rd Legislature
December 2025
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