The Iowa Community Health Worker (CHW) Alliance was developed by the Iowa Chronic Care Consortium (ICCC) in 2016 when there were few public conversations about the definition and value of community health workers (CHWs) – and those in similar roles – occurring in Iowa. Comprised of those interested in promoting deployment of CHWs in the state, the Iowa CHW Alliance is represented by a range of organizations, including state agencies, Iowa Medicaid, academic institutions, funders, local public health agencies, nonprofit and community-based organizations, and – most importantly – CHWs. While ICCC initially convened this group, it will evolve into a group that is co-led, and then eventually entirely led, by the state department of Health and Human Services.

The CHW Alliance serves in an advisory capacity. Its members offer guidance and direction as well as information and resources helpful in raising awareness and encouraging utilization of this workforce. Members also share information about CHW training opportunities and innovative deployment of CHWs from around the state and beyond.

If you are an Iowa provider or CHW and have interest in participating in the CHW Alliance, contact Angie Doyle Scar, angela.doylescar@idph.iowa.gov or Deb Kazmerzak,  deb.kazmerzak@iowaccc.com.