It’s National Community Health Worker Week! This week, we’re honoring the critical role Community Health Workers (CHWs) play in supporting families with young children. Keep reading to learn more about what a CHW is, how you can get connected to a CHW, and meet some of the CHWs working with Orange County families in our “Ask a CHW series” below!
What is a CHW?
CHWs are trusted advocates, educators, and connectors who work directly in the communities they serve. The National Institute for Health identifies the core areas of CHW impact as social support, health education, and connecting families to resources. This can look like assisting mothers with transportation, breastfeeding support, or connecting families to food banks or enrollment in programs like Medicaid. Overall, CHWs make a positive impact by helping parents navigate complex systems and access programs that support their child’s development and well-being.
Unlike clinicians or case managers, CHWs often share cultural, language, or lived‑experience backgrounds with the families they support. Their connection to the community makes them approachable, relatable, and effective in delivering guidance and support. A 2024 study showed that CHW involvement with perinatal mothers increases utilization of prenatal care as well as higher rates of attending postpartum care visits, creating better outcomes for both mothers and children. When
How CHWs Support Families Through First 5 Orange County
First 5 OC invests in CHWs because their support helps strengthen family resilience, improve child development outcomes, and increase access to crucial resources.
CHWs help families by:
- Teaching health and safety practices
- Offering breastfeeding, prenatal, and infant‑care support
- Supporting families through text messaging, classes, or in‑person visits
- Connecting families with local programs, including Commission‑funded initiatives
- Normalizing parent concerns and helping caregivers feel empowered
A JAMA Pediatrics study found that CHW home visiting programs reduced preterm and low birth rates, as well as reduced a significantly higher risk among Black participants. We continue to see that when community health workers are involved and providing community-focused and relevant care, parents can start their parenting journey with more education and confidence. This work helps ensure that more children receive the support they need during the most important window of development: ages 0–5.
How Families Can Connect With a CHW
If you’re a parent or caregiver looking for support, guidance, or resources, CHWs are here to help. First 5 OC works with CHWs across the county to answer questions, provide education, and connect families with programs and services close to home.
Here are some experiences from moms our perinatal CHW has worked alongside this year:
Becoming a new mom again while recovering from a C-section was one of the most physically and emotionally overwhelming experiences of my life. Shortly after I delivered my son, someone from First 5 OC came to my hospital room and shared information about the program. At the time, I had no idea how much that simple conversation would end up meaning to me. After I returned home, Teresa reached out to check on me, and she didn’t just offer kind words she showed up. She personally came to my home with over 100 diapers and a large supply of baby wipes for my baby. I remember feeling so touched that someone cared enough to go out of their way to support me during such a vulnerable season. As a new mom, it’s easy to feel exhausted and alone, but Teresa’s kindness reminded me that there are people and programs that truly care about families. Her compassion, generosity, and genuine heart made a lasting impact on me, and I will never forget it. I am forever grateful to Teresa and to First 5 OC for being there when I needed support the most. The help they gave wasn’t just diapers and wipes it was comfort, hope, and the reassurance that my baby and I were not alone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” – Aaliyah
“I would like to share my experience with Teresa. She is a wonderful person who helped guide, support, and encourage me. She even came to my home and brought diapers and other essentials for my babies. She does an excellent job, is very professional, and has such a kind and caring personality. She makes you feel comfortable, makes you feel important, and is always there to support you. I give her a 10 out of 10. Thank you for putting Teresa in my path. She is an angel and an exceptional human being.” – Adilene
If you would like help from a bilingual perinatal CHW, you can call or text (714) 418-8140.
Watch Our CHW Video Series
As part of CHW Week, we’re posting videos featuring CHWs answering questions directly from families. Follow along on Instagram, or come back soon to watch our compilation in the blog’s video section.
CHWs play an essential role in the health and wellness of families in Orange County. Their support is warm, personal, and deeply rooted in community connection. During CHW Week, we’re especially proud to celebrate their dedication and highlight the many ways they help Orange County families thrive.