Featured Participant Story
“Making sure people have what they need to improve their health and circumstances is why I dove head first into this program. Seeing my clients and families every day gives me a huge sense of fulfillment, immense gratitude, and hope for a better future. Through one person at a time, we can achieve the goals our clients have and build better, stronger communities together.”
-DeAnna Hess,
CHW and Medical Assistant, Department of Defense
Participant Success Stories
"I became a Community Health Worker to be the bridge between quality care and those who need it most—ensuring every individual has a voice, a hand to guide them, and the support needed to live a healthier life."
—Justice Maddox
Founder and CEO, Justice House of Hope
SYNCH is proud to support three Geisinger Community Health Worker apprentices in the Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center’s (PA AHEC) Community Health Worker Registered Apprenticeship Program. Registered apprenticeship programs offer individuals paid work experience, progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally recognized credential.
Thank you to Geisinger and Pennsylvania AHEC for their partnership, and congratulations to our apprentices: Madison, Emilia, and Stephanie!
“I love working directly with the community because it helps me understand their needs while interacting with them. I am very passionate about helping others with resources or as simple as someone who can listen to them. It helps me create a stronger bond with the organizations I meet with and provide all the resources I can to them. It is very moving meeting amazing people, especially when we connect through our mother language, Spanish.
I decided to join the CHW training because I wanted to increase my knowledge in different topics that were covered such as Motivational Interview; Communication, Networking, and Conflict; Opioid Use Disorder and Accident Prevention. I will also say, the networking and interaction with the group added additional value to the whole experience.”
— Nicole Aponte Rivera
“One of my great passions is helping people, helping the community,
and being part of the change in the lives of the people I help. I like
how they smile, their excitement knowing that someone will help,
and take control of any situation that the person is going through.
What I liked most about the training is everything you can learn and,
above all, the dedication of the trainers.”
— Lorianny Santana Perez, CHW,
Hamilton Health, Harrisburg
“I have decided to take the
Community Health Worker
training because I enjoy helping
people and there is always room
for more education. I am amazed
at all of the information that is available! It will enhance my job because it will give me better
access and more avenues to
help my patients/clients.”
— Missy D., Community Health Assistant II, Geisinger
“I became a Community Health
Worker because of the passion
that I have in creating a culture
of equality and social justice.
The diverse communities that I
serve and advocate for are always
in dire need of outspoken leadership
who have been in “their shoes,”
those who see a problem and
have the ways and means of
finding solutions that work and
aren’t afraid to fight for them.
The CHW program and curriculum
are fabulous and give me such
motivation to continue my
education so that I can earn
my seat at any table and
always have a voice for any
community in need of assistance.”
— David C., Clinical Specialist
Blueprints for Addiction Recovery
"Community Health Workers
can be the bridge between the
patient and the doctor. The time
and effort are worth it to be able to
help as many people as we can.”
— Tara S., Community Leader
and Property Manager
“Caring and serving the
community where I work,
live, and play, it is my ministry.
Just something that I do…..
I never knew we were CHWs….
This class has been an awesome
way to connect with others,
serving for the overall well-
being of the community.”
— Erin M., Senior Community Engagement Specialist with
Highmark Wholecare
"The CHW course will equip me with the skills and knowledge
to effectively advocate for and support those in our community
who need it the most by empowering them to take charge of
their health and well-being.”
“I chose to pursue a career as a Community Health Worker
because I believe in the power of community and the impact of
health education on people's lives."
— Emily Corbin, Community Resource Coordinator
YMCA, Bloomsburg
“I pursued becoming a community health worker (CHW) because I
wanted to further benefit my family, friends, and the people I work with within my community. The CHW training has provided me with
the information, resources, and
access to do just that!
Being a CHW has not only grown the resources I can use but also given me the opportunity to gain wonderful relationships with amazing people in nearby counties in Pennsylvania. I hope to see you at an upcoming Community Health Worker Conference!"
— Nehemiah Mitchell, Direct Support
Professional, Strawberry Fields, Inc.
Disclaimer
This program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.