CHW Basics
What does CHW stand for?
Community Health Worker
What does SDOH stand for?
Social Determinants of Health
What is 211 used for in Berks County?
To connect people with local resources like housing, food, utilities, and more by phone or online.
What is Health Literacy?
The ability to find, understand, and use health information to make decisions about your health.
What month is National CHW Awareness Week celebrated?
August
Name one role of a CHW.
Providing health education, connecting individuals to resources, or offering peer support
Name one example of an SDOH.
Housing, education, income, transportation, access to healthcare, food security, or safe neighborhoods
Which local organization operates the food bank in Berks County?
Helping Harvest
True or False – Everyone, no matter their education level, can face challenges with health literacy.
True
Name one setting where a CHW might work.
Clinics, schools, nonprofits, health departments, communities, home visits
True or False: CHWs provide clinical diagnoses.
False
How can transportation affect health?
It can impact a person’s ability to get to medical appointments, access healthy food, get to work, or receive emergency care
Which organization in Berks County offers support services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault?
Safe Berks
What is one strategy to improve understanding when talking with patients?
Use plain language, visuals, the teach-back method, or limit key points.
What’s one skill every CHW needs?
Communication, empathy, active listening, problem-solving, cultural competency (any of these are valid)
CHWs often serve as a bridge between what two things?
The community and the healthcare system
What is food insecurity?
Not having consistent access to enough affordable and nutritious food for an active, healthy life
True or False – Berks County has transportation services to help residents get to medical appointments.
True (BARTA Special Services, MATP)
What is the teach-back method?
A technique where clients repeat the information in their own words to show they understand it.
What’s something CHWs do that often goes unnoticed?
Building trust, advocating behind the scenes, connecting people with resources, emotional support, navigating systems
True or False – CHWs can advocate for changes in policy to improve health equity.
True
Name three barriers to accessing care.
Lack of insurance, language barriers, transportation issues, cost of care, limited clinic hours, or lack of trust in the healthcare system
Name 2 shelters in Reading.
Hope Rescue Mission and Opportunity House
Name three barriers that can affect someone’s health literacy.
Language differences, complex medical terms, stress, lack of education, or limited access to information.
Create a slogan or chant for CHWs!
Create a slogan or chant for CHWs!