300 CHWs and Partners United at Delaware State University for Summit Themed “Safe, Strong and Supported: Empowering CHWs”
Source: CHW
DOVER, DE – October 16, 2025 – The Community Health Workers Association of Delaware (CHWAD) successfully hosted its fifth annual Community Health Workers Summit yesterday at Delaware State University’s MLK Student Center, bringing together approximately 300 community health workers, allies, and partners for a full day focused on workplace safety, trauma-informed care, and professional development.
The summit, themed “Safe, Strong and Supported: Empowering CHWs,” addressed the critical need for frontline health workers to prioritize their own safety and well-being as they serve Delaware’s most vulnerable communities.
“The energy in that room was incredible,” said Jacqueline Ortiz, representing event sponsor ChristianaCare. “To see 300 dedicated professionals come together to learn, share, and support one another reminds us why this work matters so much. Community Health Workers are the bridge between healthcare systems and the communities that need them most, and events like this strengthen that bridge.”
The day featured keynote speaker Randi Woods, Chief Executive Officer of STAR (Sisters Together and Reaching, Inc.) Community Health Solutions in Baltimore, who delivered a powerful address on “Safety as Leadership: Reframing Protection as a Collective Responsibility.” Additional presentations covered critical topics including staying safe while helping others, trauma-informed workplace support, communication boundaries, and lessons from experienced CHWs in the field.
Legislative Support Highlights Policy Victories
The summit celebrated significant legislative achievements, including the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 2, which paves the way for sustainable Medicaid reimbursement for CHWs in Delaware. Representative Kamela Smith and Senator Marie Pinkney, the bill’s co-sponsors, both participated in the event.
“This bill represents a major step forward in recognizing CHWs as essential members of Delaware’s health workforce,” said Erin Ridout, CHW Association of Delaware Advocacy Committee Chair. “Twenty-four states already reimburse CHWs through Medicaid. It’s time for Delaware to be the 25th.”
Certification Launch and Training Expansion
The summit also marked the celebration of newly secured funding for Delaware’s voluntary CHW certification program. ChristianaCare and the Delaware Health Force partnered to fund the launch of certification through the Delaware Certification Board, covering application fees for CHWs for at least two years. The Division of Public Health provided additional support for a CHW awareness campaign and supplemental application fees.
Delaware State University announced its new Community Health Worker certificate training program, designed to provide CHWs with core competency skills and prepare them for certification.
Community Engagement and Recognition
Twenty-eight organizations participated as exhibitors, including the American Red Cross, ChristianaCare, DE First Health, Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and Nemours Children’s Health. Attendees played “Exhibitor BINGO,” engaging directly with each organization to learn about available resources to benefit the communities they serve.
Participants also used the CHECK (Community Health Education, Connection, & Knowledge) App throughout the day to share insights and photos on this training and resource sharing app built specifically for Delaware’s Community Health Workers.
The day concluded with the presentation of the 2025 CHW Champion Award to Tierea Chisholm, a Community Engagement Specialist with NeighborGood Partners, recognized for her exceptional dedication to youth programming and community development in Dover.
Event Sponsors
The summit was made possible through generous support from:
- Venue Sponsor: Delaware State University
- Breakfast Sponsor: ChristianaCare
- Lunch Sponsor: DE First Health
- Blue Hen Builder: Tapp Network
- Diamond State Supporters: Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Delaware Academy of Medicine/DPHA/DE Health Force, Sussex County Health Coalition, Tidal Health, Delaware Quitline, and the Delaware Healthcare Association
- First State Friend: Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition
About Community Health Workers
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are vital members of the healthcare team who bridge the gap between individuals, families, and the health, social, and community services they need. As trusted, frontline liaisons, CHWs guide people through complex systems to promote health and wellbeing.
Rooted in the communities they serve, CHWs are deeply attuned to local demographics, experiences, and cultural norms. They offer services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, ensuring that individuals feel understood and supported.
In Delaware, CHWs work across a range of settings including hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers, the Division of Public Health, community organizations, and Managed Care Organizations. Their role is crucial in helping communities navigate their health-related social needs.
As part of an equity-focused, public health approach, CHWs empower individuals and communities to improve their health and access essential services, fostering a healthier, more equitable future for all.
About the Community Health Workers Association of Delaware
The Community Health Workers Association of Delaware’s (CHWAD) mission is to collectively advocate, empower, educate, connect, and support our communities to ensure health equity, social justice, and optimal wellbeing.For more information about the Community Health Workers Association of Delaware, visit www.chwadelaware.org.
