Community Health Workers at UChicago Medicine

Community health workers (CHWs) are trusted individuals from our community. They help patients and families stay healthy by connecting them to doctors, clinics, food and other support.

CHWs listen carefully, answer questions and explain health information in a way that is easy to understand. They care about your health and your community.
CHWs teach, guide and stand up for others. They help people feel confident, safe and ready to take care of their health.
CHWs may also be known by other titles, such as Promotores de salud, health educators, health coaches, peer helpers, or patient advocates.

Video Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] Prior to being a community health worker, I was an EMT for three years, and we would often pick up patients in the South Side of Chicago. And it was just very disheartening to see the health disparities amongst those patients. It made me really feel like there was more that could be done in that aspect of healthcare and here I get to be a part of that public health side, where I get to provide patients with the necessary resources and make sure they're getting the same access that any other person can get. I love my patients. They often call me a guardian angel, or they'll refer to us as social workers or nurses just because not a lot of people know what a community health worker is. So when we come into their life and we show them this extra support, they kind of feel like, oh, wow, the hospital really does care about me. They've sent this person to me to help me outside of the clinic space. We often get seen as the helping hand in the background. You don't always know we're there, but we get you to what you need to be. [MUSIC PLAYING]

Why Become a CHW

Becoming a CHW is a strong first step toward a career in healthcare. CHWs make a difference in people’s lives by helping them in meaningful ways—even without formal medical training. They support others by making them feel seen, heard and cared for, which makes the work both important and rewarding.

Why CHWs Matter on Chicago’s South Side

Chicago’s South Side is home to over 900,000 residents and faces some of the city’s most urgent health challenges — including higher rates of chronic disease, limited access to medical care, and a life expectancy gap of up to 20 years between neighborhoods.

Many of these disparities are driven by social determinants of health — factors like income, housing, education, job access, and neighborhood conditions. Poverty and systemic inequality make it harder for families to stay healthy. These challenges affect entire communities, not just individuals, and require long-term, community-based solutions.

CHWs are essential to addressing these issues, serving as trusted connectors who help bridge the gap between healthcare systems and the people who need them most.

What CHWs Do and How They Help

CHWs play a vital role in improving health on the South Side by helping people manage chronic conditions and access the care and resources they need.

CHWs help by:

Supporting people in managing conditions like diabetes, asthma, and mental health
Guiding individuals to doctors, clinics, food, and other essential resources
Providing education and one-on-one support in ways that are easy to understand

CHWs make a difference by:

Reducing barriers to care in underserved areas
Helping people feel heard, respected, and empowered to take control of their health
Contributing to long-term improvements in community wellness

Interested in becoming a CHW?

UChicago Medicine is in the process of developing a CHW Certification Program. If you are considering certification, fill out the interest form below.

Community Health Worker Certification Interest Form

Urban Health Initiative Care Coordination Programs at UChicago Medicine

Medical Home and Specialty Care Connection Program

UChicago Medicine’s Medical Home and Specialty Care Connection Program helps South Side residents get better access to health care.

CHWs meet with people in the emergency room and help them:

Find a primary care doctor (sometimes called a “medical home”) and understand the importance of having one.
Schedule follow-up visits with both primary care and specialty doctors.
Understand how to prepare for doctor visits.
Find and use healthcare services.

Since the program began, enrolled patients have been using the emergency room less for non-urgent care — about 66% had fewer ER visits after joining. By working closely with health centers and community groups, the program helps individuals take charge of their health, access care earlier and stay well.

Liaisons in Care Program

UChicago Medicine launched the Liaisons in Care (LinC) program in 2021 through its Urban Health Initiative, with financial support from several grants.

What LinC CHWs Do:

Support people in homes, clinics and neighborhoods
Join community events to share resources and build trust
Help with chronic conditions, maternal and child health and personal health goals
Assist with food, housing, transportation, childcare and connecting to services

LinC CHW Training Includes:

Communication and health education
Care coordination and case management

Violence Recovery Program

The Violence Recovery Program (VRP) at UChicago Medicine provides specialized support for people affected by violence. Violence recovery specialists are CHWs who meet with patients and families in the emergency room and after they return home, helping promote both physical and emotional healing so patients and their families recover and move forward after trauma.

Violence recovery specialists help connect patients and families to essential services, including:

Mental health care
Housing assistance
Employment opportunities and job training
Access to food and meals
Educational resources
Funeral support
Street outreach programs