In rural communities, access to health care can sometimes depend on more than hospitals or clinics. Trusted community members often play a vital role in helping people navigate services, access resources and connect with the care they need.
These individuals are known as community health workers (CHWs).
CHWs are trained members of the community who help bridge the gap between health care providers and residents. They may assist people with understanding health information, connecting to services, accessing insurance coverage or navigating complex health care systems.
In Archuleta County, Healthy Archuleta has been working with regional partners to help expand the CHW workforce as part of efforts to strengthen the local health system.
CHWs help improve communication between organizations and ensure that residents are aware of available services and resources.
Their work is especially valuable in rural areas, where transportation barriers, workforce shortages and geographic distance can make health care access more challenging.
Community collaboration is also at the heart of the Archuleta Rural Health Network, which brings together local health care providers, public health leaders and community organizations to improve coordination and expand access to care.
Building a healthier community takes many partners and often begins with trusted neighbors helping neighbors.
For more information on CHWs, please contact Healthy Archuleta at fsfearchuleta@gmail.com.
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