Community Health Workers

According to the American Public Health Association, Community Health Workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers who are trusted members of and /or have an unusually close understanding of the community served. 

This trusting relationship enables CHWs 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. 

CHWs also build individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.

It varies by state, but nationally CHWs generally focus on one of the following core competency areas: 

• Health Education & Coaching

• Care Coordination & Navigation

• Health Screening

• Advocacy

Many CHWs also receive additional training, education, or upskilling allowing them to specialize in various areas including, but not limited to:

• Maternal & Child Health

• Behavioral Health

• Chronic Disease Support

• Reproductive Health & Family Planning

• Aging & Caregiving Support

CHW education and training requirements generally include a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education like a certificate or associate's degree. Further training may focus on core competencies such as communication, interpersonal skills, service coordination, and cultural sensitivity. 

In the United States, CHWs have different training and education requirements and healthcare regulation locally may vary. Moyo Health supports the efforts of local CHW Networks, or organizations that organize, represent, and set standards for the CHW role as an emerging profession in healthcare. 

Moyo Health is headquartered in Minnesota which has among the most rigorous healthcare payment regulation for CHWs including the requirement that post-high school coursework be completed in order to be able to bill for services. This comes with many advantages when it comes to the implementation of workforce education standards.

At Moyo Health, we believe that healing doesn’t begin with an appointment—it begins with trust. That’s why we integrate Community Health Workers (CHWs) into the everyday spaces where people already feel seen, valued, and cared for: beauty salons, barbershops, spas, and wellness studios.

We’re reimagining what healthcare looks like—outside the clinic, inside the community. Salons and wellness spaces are more than businesses—they're sanctuaries. For many, these are the few places where people feel safe enough to open up about their struggles, health concerns, or life changes. By placing CHWs in these settings, we tap into this trust to spark meaningful, judgment-free health conversations.

Many people disengage from the healthcare system because of mistrust, cost, or past harm. Our model creates soft entry points into care—bringing screenings, referrals, and health coaching into places that feel human. Then, in partnership with referring doctors, we coordinate follow-up to ensure the holistic care provided achieves the patient outcomes desired.