WHAT IS A CHW?

A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.

Bridge the Gap

Community Health Workers bridge the gap between communities and health/social service systems.

South Dakota CHWs

When it comes to Community Health Workers, South Dakota is relatively new to developing a formal CHW program. Many CHW and CHW-like positions have been established across South Dakota through private funding and grant funding, but, prior to April 2019, no formal CHW reimbursements were available.

Beginning in April 2019, the South Dakota Department of Social Services, (SD DSS) Division of Medical Services announced that CHW services provided by a CHW agency enrolled with South Dakota Medicaid will be reimbursable. This change in reimbursement models through SD DSS has opened the door for formal CHW programs to assist South Dakotans in better managing their health while working to prevent further health concerns. More information regarding reimbursement for CHWs can be found by clicking the button below.

Learn More

Resources

Additional information and support for Community Health Workers – including information about CHW workforce development and the profession.

Awareness

Learn more about the CHW Profession.

Training

Find CHW Certificate and Training Programs available in South Dakota.

Workforce Development

The CHWSD works to promote and expand the CHW profession across South Dakota.

Reimbursement

Reimbursement for CHW services can help to build and/or sustain a CHW position or program.

Career Ladder/Lattice

CHWs can play an important part in building a workforce while also advancing in their career.

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Introductory Webinar

Community Health Worker and CHWSD Webinar

Learn more about Community Health Workers and the CHWSD by viewing the introductory webinar. This webinar provides an overview of CHWs, the CHWSD, and the current and future work to promote, develop, and sustain the CHW profession in South Dakota.

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Stay Connected

Stay connected with up-to-date information from the Community Health Worker Collaborative of South Dakota as the CHW profession continues to grow and develop in South Dakota.

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