Grand Canyon Times

As respiratory illness season begins, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is emphasizing prevention measures. ADHS aims to inform communities about available tools to prevent respiratory illnesses.

A key strategy involves partnering with community health workers (CHWs). These frontline public health workers are trusted members of their communities and possess a deep understanding of the people they serve. CHWs provide crucial information to farmworkers, rural areas, and low-income communities through direct outreach, aiming to increase awareness and reduce health disparities.

“Respiratory viruses can pose a serious health threat. That’s why our partnership with community health workers is so valuable. They help break down health information barriers to high-risk communities by providing them with critical prevention tools,” said ADHS Health Disparities Program Manager Corina Ojeda.

Beyond respiratory health, CHWs also focus on school health, nutrition and physical activity, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke prevention.

“Our mission is to promote substantive improvement in the overall wellbeing of farmworkers and low to moderate-income individuals by providing and facilitating access to health, behavioral health, social services, housing rehabilitation, counseling, education, environmental health, and workforce development,” said Emma Torres, Executive Director of Campesinos Sin Fronteras.

To maintain standards of practice for CHWs, the ADHS Bureau of Licensing for Professions and Occupations offers state voluntary certification. First-time applicants may qualify for a fee waiver. The department supports CHWs as they become trusted advocates for community health and wellness.