To community health workers and educators,
your health is their business.
They build healthy communities by educating and advocating for individuals and groups
to meet their wellness needs.
Community health professionals improve access to health information and care;
they perform basic diagnostic procedures, attend community meetings,
refer people to health services,
collect information on the wellness concerns of the local community,
and teach programs to address health issues.
They work for hospitals, nonprofit organizations, government agencies,
doctors’ offices, private businesses, and colleges.
They may conduct research and develop educational programs on themes
such as proper nutrition, immunizations, HIV/AIDs,
stress management, or emergency preparedness.
Community health workers and educators often work full time,
and often travel locally to distribute materials and attend community meetings.
Key qualities for these workers include communication skills,
compassion, patience, and dependability.
Job requirements vary, especially for the relatively new field of community health work.
A related bachelor’s degree,
or a Certified Health Education Specialist credential may be helpful;
some health educator positions require a graduate degree.