SWACH Champions CHW Advocacy at National Conference

From left to right: Brandi Williams, Dominique Horn, Nicole Hamberger.

Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH) proudly took the spotlight at the Camden Coalition’s Putting Care at the Center 2024 conference in Pittsburgh, PA. Representing SWACH’s commitment to advancing community health, Nicole Hamberger, Dominique Horn, and Brandi Williams led an impactful session titled, “What CHWs Need to Flourish: Supporting the Profession.”

The panel explored the critical role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in driving equitable health outcomes and the comprehensive support systems needed to help them succeed. The presenters began by discussing their own lived experiences and how those have shaped their work.

“There are certain strengths we call ‘secret sauce’ that someone with lived experience has,” Hamberger said. “It’s a different strength over someone who may have degrees or licenses but lacks that perspective.”

Slide shown during “What CHWs Need to Flourish: Supporting the Profession” regarding barriers faced.

Hamberger also emphasized the unique role CHWs play in bridging gaps within healthcare systems.

“The conference does a really good job of lifting up people and their stories and making that connection to doctors or nurses or people who wouldn't necessarily have that lens to know that you aren't going to be able to fix everything,” she explained. “In fact, there's going to be a lot of gaps for people who are facing all of these challenges. And a community health worker can fill and bridge those gaps.”

Hamberger said following the session, the SWACH team was approached by a participant expressing gratitude for their candid discussion, ahead of participating in a panel the following day.

“It’s moments like that which remind us why these conversations are so important—people need to feel safe and empowered to make choices that are right for them.”

Hamberger reiterated the importance of security within an organization for CHWs to feel comfortable sharing their stories.

“When people feel secure in their roles, it puts them in a really good position to advocate—whether at the policy level, the state level, or elsewhere,” she noted. “It drives such a passion when you’ve faced barriers and discrimination because of your lived experience.”

By representing SWACH at this national event, Hamberger, Horn, and Williams reaffirmed the strong dedication to supporting the CHW profession and advancing health equity in Southwest Washington.

Congratulations to Brandi, Dominique, and Nicole for their outstanding work and for championing SWACH’s mission on stage!