What is a community health worker?

A community health worker serves as a crucial link between healthcare providers and the community, facilitating communication and ensuring that the needs of the community are effectively addressed. They play a role in educating the community about health resources, helping individuals navigate the healthcare system, and advocating for the health needs of community members. This unique position allows them to understand the specific challenges and cultural dynamics of the community they serve, enabling them to provide tailored support and resources.

In contrast, the other choices describe roles that do not align with the definition of a community health worker. Public health workers conducting clinical trials are focused on research rather than community liaison work. Healthcare providers who offer specialized medical services provide specific medical treatments rather than broader community health outreach. Researchers concentrating on community health issues typically focus on studying health trends and problems, but they do not engage directly with community members in the supportive, educational, advocacy-focused manner typical of community health workers. Thus, being a liaison between healthcare providers and the community captures the essence of the role of a community health worker.