ILLINOIS — The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has awarded a new multi-year grant to the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) to promote and strengthen the role of community health workers (CHWs) across the state.
The initiative is designed to build trust in public health systems, support outreach and advocacy efforts, and improve the diversity and effectiveness of the CHW workforce in Illinois.
Why Community Health Workers Matter
Community health workers serve as vital bridges between healthcare systems and the people they serve, particularly in underserved areas. They help residents navigate health services, deliver culturally competent care, and offer social support in times of need.
“Community health workers are critical frontline workers who have a close understanding of the communities they serve,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.
The grant will support a campaign to elevate awareness of CHWs’ roles and embed them more deeply into public health and human services systems.
Grant Structure and Long-Term Vision
The initial funding of $25,000 will allow IPHA to develop a multi-year strategy. Once the plan is finalized, non-competitive continuation grants could bring the total award to approximately $2 million over three years.
The campaign, titled the “Campaign to Advance the Community Health Worker Workforce in Illinois,” will focus on expanding awareness and inclusion of CHWs in medical and community teams throughout the state.
Tom Hughes, Executive Director of IPHA, noted:
“We’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when CHWs are supported and recognized. This campaign gives us the opportunity to build on those partnerships and ensure more communities feel seen, heard, and connected.”
You can read the full announcement on RiverBender.
Key Partners Supporting the Effort
Several key organizations will assist IPHA in implementing this initiative:
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Illinois Community Health Workers Association
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Illinois Primary Health Care Association
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National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
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The HAP Foundation
Established in 1940, IPHA remains Illinois’ oldest and largest statewide health organization. This grant will support its ongoing mission to mobilize partners and advance health equity.
What This Means for Illinois Communities
This initiative comes at a time when trust in public health remains a priority. By empowering local community members to act as connectors and advocates, the state hopes to:
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Increase access to healthcare services
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Improve health literacy
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Support career pathways in public health for underrepresented groups
For ongoing updates, visit the official IPHA website.
Have you interacted with a community health worker in your neighborhood? Share your story or thoughts with us at Chicago Suburban Family to spotlight the real-world impact of local health advocates.
