SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has awarded a grant to the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) to launch a multi-year statewide campaign aimed at supporting and advancing the role of community health workers (CHWs).
Often described as trusted connectors between health systems and the communities they serve, CHWs help residents navigate care, access services, and improve health knowledge and self-sufficiency. The campaign’s goals are to raise awareness of CHWs’ roles, support their integration into public and private health systems, and build a diverse, qualified CHW workforce in Illinois.
“Community health workers are critical frontline workers who have a close understanding of the communities they serve,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “This campaign will help more caring individuals find career paths that directly impact public health.”
IPHA received an initial grant of $25,000 to develop the campaign plan. If approved, it could lead to up to $2 million in follow-up funding over the next three years for implementation.
“This campaign gives us the opportunity to build on partnerships, lift up CHW voices, and ensure more communities feel connected to the care they deserve,” said IPHA Executive Director Tom Hughes.
IPHA will work alongside key partners including the Illinois Community Health Workers Association, Illinois Primary Health Care Association, The HAP Foundation, and the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois. To follow the campaign and learn more, visit www.ipha.com.