PRESS RELEASE: Hawai‘i Community Health Worker Conference Kicks Off Awareness Month In August

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2024

Governor Josh Green proclaimed August 2024 as Community Health Worker Awareness Month in Hawai‘i.

HONOLULU, HI—Governor Josh Green has officially proclaimed August as Community Health Worker Awareness Month in Hawai‘i, recognizing the pivotal role of Community Health Workers in bridging the gap between community and health and social services. 

To celebrate this significant milestone, over 200 Community Health Workers and their allies gathered for a one-day conference on August 9 to continue the growth and support of the Hawai‘i Community Health Worker workforce. This year’s theme, “Reaching In, To Reach Out,” emphasized the importance of Community Health Workers to “reach in” and support themselves through self-care tools, trainings, and other resources so they can be well-equipped to continue “reaching out” to their communities. 

Gracie Flores, Chair of the Hawai‘i Community Health Worker Association, remarked, “The Community Health Worker Awareness Proclamation will help to ensure that Community Health Workers are acknowledged as integral parts of our healthcare workforce. Although this is a huge step towards legitimizing the Community Health Worker profession in Hawai‘i, there is still a lot of work required to continue our movement forward.” 

Community Health Workers are frontline, trained, and trusted members of the community who serve as liaisons between health and social services and the communities they serve. They improve access to quality care, increase cultural competency in service delivery, and advocate for change while building self-sufficiency through outreach, education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy. The profession encompasses a broad range of titles and roles, including outreach workers, health navigators, and care coordinators. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Community Health Workers played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between vulnerable populations and needed services, ensuring that crucial information and support reached those most in need. Amidst the Maui fires, they were instrumental in coordinating emergency services, providing mental health support, and distributing essentials to affected families, showcasing their invaluable impact on the island’s resilience and recovery efforts. Their dedication and tireless efforts saved lives and strengthened community bonds, highlighting the critical role of Community Health Workers in crisis response and public health.

“Your commitment to the health and wellbeing of our people embodies the true spirit of Aloha,” said Governor Josh Green. “Together, let’s continue to rise to the challenge of improving healthcare for all of our people.”

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About the Organizer:
The Hawai‘i Community Health Worker Association provides essential support, education, and collaboration for community health workers to equip them with the resources and tools they need to mālama (care for) their communities. As frontline, trained, and trusted individuals deeply embedded in their communities, community health workers have unique insights and connections that enable them to address the specific needs and challenges faced by those they serve. 

Resources:

• Photos and videos from the conference: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBCVa1. 
• Program and conference information:https://hichw.org/2024-conference-program/.