Amplifying Community Voices Through a Community Health Worker-Led Model for Authentic Community Engagement

Authors: Kimberly Rawlinson, MPH, CCHW, Julie Smithwick, MSW, CHW, Lauren Workman, PhD, MPH, LaShandra Morgan, EdD, MPH, CHW, Whitney Davis, BS, CHW, Sarah Covington-Kolb, MSPH, MSW, CCHW, Rich Strater, MA

This study explored how Community Health Workers (CHWs) can help build stronger partnerships between health, public health, and social service organizations by involving communities in decision-making. CHWs worked as equal members of the research team and helped identify trust, open communication, and strong relationships as the foundation of meaningful community engagement. The study concludes that CHW-led, community-driven approaches can strengthen collaboration and support more equitable and lasting improvements in health.