Community Health Workers Provide Care by Walking Alongside Their Patients

Community health workers are the beating heart of compassionate, community-based care — often serving as the critical link between healthcare systems and the people who need them most. In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Denise Smith, Executive Director of the National Association of Community Health Workers, who shares how this workforce is transforming healthcare from the ground up.

Denise dives into the essential role that community health workers (CHWs) play — not just as caregivers or educators, but as trusted allies who walk alongside individuals and families through their health journeys. Whether it’s helping someone manage a chronic condition, navigate a complex health system, or access vital services, CHWs meet people where they are, both literally and emotionally.

At the core of their work is trust — built over time, through relationships rooted in empathy, cultural humility, and a deep understanding of the communities they serve. Denise explains how this trust allows CHWs to break down barriers, amplify voices, and ensure people are not just treated, but truly cared for.

This episode is a compelling look at how the most effective care doesn’t always happen in exam rooms or hospitals — but in homes, neighborhoods, and conversations, guided by people who lead with heart and a fierce commitment to equity.