Oklahoma State Health Department Educates Residents About Community Health Workers' Roles

The state health department is educating Oklahomans about the work community health workers do in Oklahoma. Community health workers like Misty Wilson help make communities better because they take care of neighbors in need.

This includes connecting people to health care and social services, talking about disease and injury prevention, and making health services more accessible.

The state health department said there are CHWs statewide, and they have screened more than 18,000 clients since 2022. Many of those clients have reported improved mental and physical health as well as a better quality of life.

Community health workers are often residents of the communities they serve. Wilson has a passion and dedication to helping others. While she can't always help people with all of their struggles, she knows every little bit she can do helps tremendously.

"I think being able to help them a little bit, and sometimes people just need a listening ear. They need to know that there's someone out there who cares and who is willing to help them," Wilson said.

Wilson helps people with SNAP and Medicaid applications, as well as their housing needs. She said sometimes people just need someone to speak up for them and help them navigate through the different resources available in the state.

While Wilson does everything she can, she said the most difficult part of her job is when she feels like she can't get people all of the help they need.

"I'd say the most difficult thing is when you cannot find a resource for that person's need. That is so challenging, and you feel so helpless sometimes if you're not able to meet the need or connect them to the resource," Wilson said.

If you're in need of resources for things like food insecurity, transportation, housing, physical and mental health, or other services, you can reach out to your local health department which can connect you to a community health worker.