Community Health Workers (CHW)
The Community Health Worker (CHW) Program expands access to trusted, local support for individuals and families across the state. Community Health Workers are trained professionals who live and work in the communities they serve, helping people navigate the health system, connect to needed services, and manage their health more effectively. Through NDC3, individuals, healthcare providers, and community organizations can easily find and refer to certified CHWs within their own communities, strengthening local support networks and improving access to care.
This program enhances care coordination by creating a simple, centralized referral pathway that connects people to CHWs and allows CHWs to link individuals to additional evidence-based programs and services. By making these connections more accessible and coordinated, the CHW Program helps address barriers to care, supports chronic disease prevention and management, and promotes healthier communities across North Dakota—especially in rural and underserved areas.
Need Help? A Community Health Worker May Be Able to Help.
Sometimes taking care of your health involves more than visiting a doctor.
A Community Health Worker (CHW) can help connect you with the support and resources you need.
CHWs can help you:
- Find and navigate healthcare services and providers
- Connect with food, housing, transportation, or other community resources
- Get help paying for medications or healthcare services
- Understand health information
- Manage diabetes or high blood pressure
- Connect with health programs near you
- Prepare for appointments and follow-up care
- Find programs and resources in your community
Connect with a CHW Refer someone to a CHW
A Community Health Worker, or CHW, is someone from your community, helping your community.
CHWs know their communities and the people who live there. They understand the local resources and some of the challenges people may face.
A CHW is someone who understands the community – because they are part of it.
CHWs work in many settings across North Dakota, including:
- Hospitals and clinics
- Local public health
- Tribal health programs
- Pharmacies
- Community organizations
- Other organizations serving individuals and families
A CHW can help you understand your options and connect you with the right people and resources.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
Maybe you’re asking:
- I can’t afford my medicine. What can I do?
- I need a ride to my appointment. Where can I get help?
- I’m having trouble managing my diabetes. Who can help me?
- I don’t understand what my doctor told me. Can someone explain it?
- I need help finding food or housing. Where do I start?
- I don’t have a regular doctor. How can I find one?
- I’m feeling overwhelmed. Where can I get help?
A CHW may be able to help connect you with the next step.
Step 1: Tell Us What You Need
Tell us what you need help with.
Step 2: Connect With a CHW
We will help connect you with a CHW or another person who may be able to help.
Step 3: Get Support
Your CHW can help you find care, services, and other support.
Step 4: Stay in Touch
Your CHW may check back with you to see how things are going.
- You Are Not Alone.
- You do not need to know all the answers.
- You just need to know where to start.
A Community Health Worker may be able to help you take the next step.
Connect with a CHW Refer someone to a CHW
Are you a Community Health Worker and would like to receive referrals for this program? Register here.