Known by many different titles, community health workers (CHWs) have often been described as individuals who are indigenous to their communities and assist individuals and communities in adopting healthy behaviors; however, CHWs' work has long been rooted in the processes of empowerment, social justice, and collective consciousness. Thus, in the simplest of terms, CHWs enable citizens to assume responsibility for their own and their community's health through an understanding of their community's health problems and the societal influences that act upon them. They improve quality of life.
As CHWs tarry with these tremendous responsibilities, we often forget to recognize and reflect on their personal journeys-the triumphs, the disappointment, the lessons-for life experiences develop an individual into the person he or she becomes. What makes CHWs feel they have made a difference? What hardships have they overcome? We take a pause and learn from personal reflections of CHWs in 7 pieces (6 in this issue and 1 in an upcoming special issue) we call "CHW Voices" written by CHWs about who they are, what they do, how they became CHWs, and how they impact community members' lives. We see their work with migrant communities, changing the lives of youth, and impacting the homeless populations. They work to change the health status of asthma in urban communities, in villages to address maternal child health and various chronic diseases, address basic subsistence needs for families impacted by HIV infection, and take their personal struggles and experiences with violence and abuse and transform into advocates and leaders. As they share their personal voices and bring their stories to life, we can be reminded how we each can support the work and efforts of CHWs across the nation and across continents of the earth.
From the reaches of California to Michigan, to Texas, to North Carolina, to Oregon, to Thailand, and South Africa, we can see the impact that CHWs have in every neighborhood, every community, and every village. We can learn what is needed to support CHW work, and how the larger community of health and wellness can facilitate the growth of an essential workforce. Seeing how CHW transform society has been tremendously rewarding. The invitation from my colleague, Dr E. Lee Rosenthal, to serve as Co-Editor of this special issue for CHW Voices From the Field has been tremendously rewarding. We have worked together for many years championing the integration of CHWs into the health care delivery system, supporting their roles in community development, and recognizing the value and importance of listening to CHWs. For this opportunity to share in the lives of the CHWs highlighted in this issue, we are forever grateful. We hope you find these CHW Voices From the Field articles enlightening.
-Susan Mayfield Johnson, PhD, MPH, MCHES
Guest Editor