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, 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 the Department of Health (DOH) on two 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
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 varied group of professionals representing 14 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 Resistance and Resilience grant, HIPHI has supported in training, deploying, and engaging additional CHWs to address related burdens from the COVID-19 pandemic and other chronic diseases.
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
Contact Us
Rosilyn Filemoni, MPH
Rosi joined the HIPHI team in 2022 as the Statewide Program Manager: Community Health Worker Liaison. She was born and raised on Hawai‘i Island and currently resides in Kea‘au. She has earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Healthcare Administration and Master’s in Public Health. She has a profound passion for public health and brings to the team great knowledge of Community Health Workers and expertise in working with vulnerable populations. When not working, Rosi can be found in the community as the head coach for Kea‘au High School Girls Soccer and serving at New Hope Church of Hilo.
Chauncey Hatico
Chauncey joined HIPHI in November 2023 as the Program Coordinator for the Hawai‘i Community Health Worker (CHW) Association to support CHWs across Hawai‘i. Prior to joining HIPHI, Chauncey worked as a CHW at HMSA Care Coordination, a CHW Supervisor at Hui Mālama Ola Nā ‘Ōiwi, and a Certified Medical Assistant at Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital. He has a CHW Certificate of Competence from Maui Community College and is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant through the National Healthcareer Association. Chauncey is also a taro Farmer in Waipio Valley, owner of Kuu Ohana Farm, and Vice President of Waipio Taro Farmers Association.