FAQ

A Community Health Workers (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the CHW to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. -American Public Health Association

The history of Community Health Workers in America is long and varied with roots in the Promotora's movement in the 1960's and the Community Health Representative (CHR) program which was developed by the Indian Health Services in 1968. Community Health Workers have been a rallying voice within the American Public Health Association since the 1970s. As of 2026, more than 50% of states within the US have state recognition and reimbursement. Take a look at our Resource page for more information.

Currently, Montana does not offer certification/licensure for CHWs. During the 2026 legislative session, HB850, an act to pass CHW licensure, passed both chambers of the house and senate but was vetoed by the sitting Governor. 

A core CHW training program is offered through Montana State University by the MT Office of Rural Health and Area Health Education Center, and through the University of Montana at the Center for Children, Families and Workforce Development. Certificates of completion are provided by both programs to trainees. Discussions are underway across the state with regards to CHW certification and reimbursement for services at a state-level.

The MORH/AHEC Fundamentals of a Community Health Worker course costs $1,500. Be sure to check for potential scholarships/grants that may cover the training cost.

The CHW training through the University of Montana has been offered for free due to the support of a federal grant that ended September 2025. 

Both programs are looking for ways to continue to offer the training to free to the community.

MORH/AHEC offers free add-on training modules for Community Health Workers. https://healthinfo.montana.edu/bhwet/chw/add-on.html. We are always looking to expand our learning library, if you have ideas/training needs that are not currently offered, please reach out and let us know what training topics we could add.

MTCHWA members can join the Association for free. MTCHWA membership falls into three categories: CHWs, CHW allies and CHW supporters. If you are a CHW, an ally of CHWs or you are a supporter, we welcome you to join the Association. Everyone is welcome. 

Membership is free. Sign up on our website under the 'About Us' and 'Membership' tab. Members currently receive a monthly newsletter and have the opportunity to engage in monthly membership calls for information sharing and networking purposes.