Community-based Workforce
The Power of Culturally Responsive Care
Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH) believes that support works best when it comes from someone who understands the uniqueness of a client’s situation. That’s why we work to empower a local community-based workforce in Southwest Washington. This workforce is made of individuals from a variety of organizations, industries, and sectors, all dedicated to helping connect people to the care and support they need.
The Community-Based Workforce allows us to provide culturally responsive care, meaning connecting individuals to professionals who understand who they are and what they need. Whether it is communicating in a client’s native language, understanding the cultural barriers they face in accessing care, addressing concerns of safety or well being, or any number of factors, we can meet people where they are and ensure they get the care they need.
By building a strong community-based healthcare workforce in Southwest Washington, SWACH leads the way in delivering culturally responsive care that addresses the specific needs of underserved populations. Our team plays a critical role in promoting health equity by breaking down barriers to healthcare and ensuring that individuals in Clark, Klickitat, and Skamania counties receive the personalized support they need. Through these efforts, we continue to enhance community healthcare services and create lasting wellness for all.
Working with Southwest Washington nonprofits and community organizations, we create equitable, community-oriented health improvements across our region.
Learn more about our Community-Based Workforce on the news page and explore how our HealthConnect Hub bridges the gap between healthcare services and community needs."
What are the Benefits of a Community-Based Workforce?
Community-based workforces go a long way in empowering local communities. Among the countless benefits are some key features.
Creating Health
Equity
By developing and supporting a community-based workforce, SWACH and our partners can better create health equity in our region. These professionals can provide holistic, wrap-around support that community members may need. A strong community-based workforce can bring an equity lens to this work, understanding certain populations face unique barriers to accessing care services. Through individuals with relevant, lived experiences, we can combat many of the inequities that exist in these systems.
Connecting Community Members to Trusted Messengers
The Community-Based Workforce is made up of individuals who call Southwest Washington home. For many of our community members, they know they can trust these professionals when seeking support. That makes our CBWs trusted messengers - individuals who can share important information regarding health and social services to individuals in a way that feels natural and comfortable.
Breaking Down Siloes Between Services
Oftentimes, people seeking supportive services need help in more than one aspect of their lives. The siloes between these important services can lead to some unmet needs. CBWs are knowledgeable and well-trained in how to break down those siloes to ensure people get the full scope of care they need. Leveraging a trusted, personal relationship with their clients, they can regularly identify additional barriers individuals may face.
