CHWs have been called ambassadors of public health, and they play important roles in the lives of people who need medical support. In fact, the World Health Organization has praised them as being among the most important providers of public health care globally.A large part of the CHWs’ influence comes from their close connection with urban and rural communities and in being able to link medical systems to vulnerable and historically marginalized populations in need of healthcare. CHWs work as volunteers or paid staff and their titles vary, depending on their health and social service affiliations. They’re also known as peer advisors, promotoras, community health aides, health coaches and outreach workers, Growing numbers of CHWs hold degrees and formal certifications in the practice. Many others count the strong bonds and ability to maintain culturally appropriate relationships with their communities as valid credentials.CHWs provide a variety of health and educational services, including drug abuse intervention, nutrition, vaccinations, infectious disease counseling, child and reproductive healthcare, and follow-up support. Having a trusted CHW as an advocate often helps ensure that patients needing medical help have an easier and less intimidating experience. Their advocacy often makes the difference between whether a patient continues receiving the treatment they need or drops out of the system altogether, said Helen Limbani, a public health worker of 30 years. “Health workers become like family,” said Limbani, who currently serves as case manager for The Afiya Center, which provides reproductive services for Black and brown women in the Dallas area. Limbani entered the field as a volunteer at hospitals and clinics before being hired to do the same work. “We are not doctors, so we are less threatening to individuals,” Limbani said. “Degrees are good, but in this work, it is still important to be a person with passion.”