Dual Certification Of Community Health Workers And Certified Peer Support Specialists Can Better Address Syndemics

Authors: Katie Varnadoe A. Toni Young Kelli L. Keith Grace Tuohey Charlie Turner

Public health crises like HIV, hepatitis C, and opioid overdoses often overlap, worsening health disparities, especially in marginalized communities. Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Peer Support Specialists (PSSs) play crucial roles in addressing these challenges—CHWs focus on health education and resource navigation, while PSSs provide support through lived experience in recovery. A dual-certification model, where CHWs receive peer support training and PSSs gain skills in physical health and social services, can strengthen public health efforts. This approach creates a more versatile workforce, improves care access, and bridges gaps between behavioral and physical health systems. By investing in dual certification, public health systems can better tackle syndemics, reduce disparities, and support vulnerable communities.