🎉 Celebrating the 2nd Annual National CHW Awareness Week 🎉

 Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and beloved Community Health Workers,

As we gather here today to celebrate the 2nd Annual National CHW Awareness Week, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and admiration for each one of you. This is more than just a week of recognition—this is a moment in history. We are here to honor the dedication, resilience, leadership, and compassion that you, the CHWs, embody every single day.

You are the unsung heroes of our communities. When the world feels heavy, and the challenges seem insurmountable, it is your strength that carries us through. You stand on the front lines, not just as healthcare providers, but as advocates, educators, and trusted confidants. You are the heartbeat of our communities, the lifeline that connects us to health, hope, and healing.

Your work is not easy. The path you walk is often fraught with obstacles and uncertainty, but still, you persevere. Why? Because you understand that the work you do is more than a job—it is a calling. A calling to serve, to uplift, and to transform lives. Your resilience is remarkable, and your compassion is boundless.

As we celebrate this week, I want each of you to take a moment to reflect on the impact you have made. Think of the lives you have touched, the communities you have strengthened, and the barriers you have broken down. You are the roots that anchor us, the leaders who inspire us, and the warriors who protect us.

But our journey does not end here. The world needs your light now more than ever. There are still so many hearts to heal, so many voices to amplify, and so much change to be made. Let this week be a reminder of your power, your purpose, and your potential.

But before you push forward, remember to take care of yourself. As we approach the Labor Day holiday, take a moment for your own self-care. You pour so much into others, but your wellness matters just as much. If you are not well, you will not be well enough to serve others. So take this time to rest, recharge, and renew your spirit. You deserve it, and your community needs you at your best.

Keep pushing forward, for the work you do is vital. Keep shining your light, for it guides us all. And keep believing in the power of your impact, for you are the changemakers, the healers, the leaders of tomorrow.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we can achieve anything. Together, we are unstoppable.

And as we celebrate, I encourage you to share this message with other CHW warriors, ally champions, and everyone who needs to know about the CHW workforce. Let’s spread the word far and wide, so that more people can understand and appreciate the critical role that CHWs play in our communities.

Thank you for your tireless dedication, your unwavering commitment, and your extraordinary contributions.

Happy National CHW Awareness Week!

– Atara Estes, CHW Leadership Development Specialist at IHN and NACHW Board of Directors

Overview of the Harris County Public Health Healthy Communities Conference

 I recently had the pleasure of attending the Harris County Public Health Healthy Communities Conference in Houston, Texas, which focused on "Deepening Community Health Workers’ Roots of Leadership, Equity, and Resilience." This trip was a refreshing recharge and one of the best business experiences I’ve had in a long time.

At the conference, I had the incredible honor of being one of three panelists, alongside Rosalia Guerrero and Alma Aranda (CHWI, Harris Health), with Dr. Heidi McPherson (Health Equity Collective) serving as our wonderful moderator. As the only out-of-town representative from St. Louis, Missouri, I was both humbled and grateful for the warm hospitality and assistance provided by the conference staff. The experience felt like a true "light, camera, action" moment, with everything coming together seamlessly.

Being on that panel in front of hundreds of passionate Community Health Workers (CHWs) and their allies was a total game changer. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and I felt an overwhelming sense of peace, knowing that I was meant to be there. The questions presented to us were not only life-changing but also offered tangible insights that others could integrate into their own work.

As I shared my experiences and best practices from St. Louis, particularly my work with the Integrated Health Network, I emphasized that while these practices are effective, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Each city and state must navigate its own guidelines and regulations, but the key is to keep moving forward. One day, that "no" you keep receiving will turn into a "yes."

Mentorship is a critical principle in supporting the CHW workforce, and it’s essential for CHWs to have a voice at decision-making tables. I challenged executive leaders and decision-makers to give credit where it’s due—acknowledging the innovative ideas that CHW employees, supervisors, managers, and specialists contribute to help organizations thrive. Without their vision and lived experiences, communities would suffer. There is true power in togetherness.

I am a CHW for life, and the best is yet to come! As we celebrate National CHW Awareness Week from August 26th to 30th, let's continue to uplift and support one another in our shared mission.

Quote for CHW Warriors: "To all the CHW warriors out there: Your dedication is the heartbeat of our communities. As we unite during National CHW Awareness Week, remember that our resilience, leadership, and compassion are the roots that strengthen us all. Keep pushing forward—the world needs our light more than ever."

If you would like to book me as a keynote speaker, presenter, or panelist at conferences or seminars, you can do so by visiting my website at www.ataraestes.com or emailing theyenetworkgroup@gmail.com. I am excited to bring my passion and expertise to your event!

This experience was more than just a professional opportunity; it was a chance to spread my wings and soar like an eagle. I am deeply thankful for this amazing opportunity to share my journey and advocate for the CHW workforce.

Atara Estes, ICHW-C

Founder of TATU Your Wellbeing, LLC (Holistic Wellness on Trauma Recovery)