Richmond Memorial Health Foundation is dedicated to supporting area nonprofits focused on increasing health and racial equity and improving access to affordable health care. One such organization is the Virginia Community Health Workers Association (VACHWA). RMHF was an early funder of VACHWA, and has continued to support their work through the years. They are a critical community resource, providing education to health care professionals across the Richmond Region and we are proud to call them a partner.
As a part of this spotlight, our intern, Chelsea Brown, sat down with Shanteny Jackson, the Executive Director of the VACHWA, to discuss their mission, goals, and recent accomplishments. What follows is an article based on that conversation.
Jackson leads a team dedicated to uplifting community health workers through education and advocacy. The VACHWA also makes resources more accessible to community health workers (CHWs) and those on the front lines, because, as Jackson puts it, these professionals are “vehicles that bring awareness and education to communities. CHWs can be easily tapped into, but as with any other profession, we need training to be more effective and impactful.” Jackson’s metaphor outlines the framework for VACHWA’s mission: To be the space where community health workers can come, have a network, and grow personally and professionally, all with an emphasis on intention and sustainability.
Many of VACHWA’s programs function in a way that allows community members to get to know, learn from, and support each other. The Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW) training program that VACHWA provides, for instance, is offered to anyone interested in pursuing an entry-level career in public health through a certification process. Those who become certified are supported through continuing education and training hubs.
Within these hubs, individuals with specializations can teach and educate those within their communities thanks to the CHW Ambassador Program. This program is designed to magnify the leadership and workforce development of CHWs in the healthcare field. So far, the organization has graduated more than 100 participants in their certified community health worker training and over 500 participants in their continuing education training. The first cohort of Ambassadors are showcased on their website.
Because certification for community health workers is voluntary in Virginia, we don’t know the total number of individuals statewide who have earned this designation. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics identified more than 1,300 employed community health workers in the state, the Virginia Certification Board (VCB) has identified just 300 as having attained their certification since its inception in 2020. So it is important that we continue to grow this critical workforce through programs like those offered by VACHWA.
Jackson describes these programs as practical and formative ways to educate community helpers that “align their lived experiences as community health workers in ways which they are either familiar with or impacted by.” These programs are not just about education, but about inspiring and empowering community members to live healthier and happier lives by attaining maximum health and wellness.
Another program that Jackson highlights is the CHW Toolkit, a comprehensive resource that provides tangible resources to educate communities on the management of chronic diseases and related conditions. The content of the toolkit includes a blood pressure machine, pill case, and a pedometer to spark conversations with patients about managing various conditions. This toolkit is a valuable resource, providing community health workers with the information they need to effectively serve their communities.
Alongside these effective and growing programs, VACHWA always makes sure to dedicate time for engagement and community-building. They recently organized a Community Health Fair and Celebration, where they promoted wellness, by bringing together different partners, services, and resources in a festive environment. Jackson describes this event as a celebration, “a time to have fun and be reminded that there is hope.”
During the conversation, Jackson also reflected on the progress being made in the advocacy realm. One of VACHWA’s most significant achievements was certifying more community health workers and creating title protections, which serve as professional guardrails to ensure all CHWs meet the rigorous requirements needed to achieve that designation. This has resulted in roughly 300 newly-certified community health workers, with more on the way. These efforts demonstrate VACHWA’s commitment to improving healthcare services and ensuring that community health workers are recognized and supported.
Looking forward, VACHWA is specifically focused on securing reimbursement from Medicaid for crucial work being carried out by community health workers. VACHWA is also excited about hosting a rewarding and engaging annual conference this fall. Finally, in addition to carrying out their central mission, VACHWA aims to ensure the availability of scholarships for community health workers, reduce commuting barriers for these professionals traveling long distances, and offer more training opportunities.