The Illinois Department of Public Health has awarded the Illinois Public Health Association a grant of up to two million dollars over the next three years. This funding will kickstart a campaign dedicated to promoting the role of community health workers throughout the state. The initiative aims to raise public awareness about the vital contributions these professionals make in improving community health. Expanding the workforce of community health workers is also a key goal, with the campaign expected to strengthen health services and outreach, especially in underserved areas. The partnership signals a statewide commitment to better healthcare access and outcomes.
“Illinois’s public health depends on building trust within our communities,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Community health workers are critical frontline workers who have a close understanding of the communities they serve. IDPH is excited to partner with IPHA to help many caring, dedicated individuals find career paths as community health workers. Our goal is bolstering the inclusion of CHWs in care teams to improve the health of their communities.”
“Community health workers are essential to building trust in public health,” said Tom Hughes, Executive Director of the Illinois Public Health Association. “We’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when CHWs are supported and recognized as part of the care team. For years, we’ve partnered with CHWs, local health departments and community organizations to expand this workforce across Illinois. This campaign gives us the opportunity to build on those partnerships, lift up CHW voices, and ensure more communities feel seen, heard, and connected to the care they deserve.”
For updates on this campaign and IPHA’s ongoing CHW workforce development efforts, visit www.ipha.com.
