Foundations for Community Health Workers
Edited by Tim Berthold and Darouny Somsanith
Grades 9–12
Course: Community Health Worker Training & Certification
Foundations for Community Health Workers, 3rd Edition is a practical, comprehensive introduction to the essential skills professionals need in community health roles. Inspired by the long-running CHW Certificate Program at City College of San Francisco and shaped by 27 contributing authors, it equips learners with the core competencies and guiding principles that empower individuals and communities to lead healthy lives.
With an emphasis on health equity, social justice, cultural humility, and person- and community-centered practice, the book builds skills from client assessment and motivational interviewing to conflict resolution, group facilitation, trauma support, and community organizing. Real-life case studies and the voices of working CHWs illustrate the challenges and successes learners will meet on the job.
Features

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Aligned to the C3 Project Every chapter maps to the Community Health Worker Core Consensus (C3) Project’s core roles and skills, with a C3 Review Checklist that helps learners and programs track progress toward national standards.
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23 Real CHW Profiles Each chapter features a working community health worker sharing their motivations, contributions, and practical tips for those entering the profession.
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Educational Videos Short videos — via QR codes in print and direct links in the e-book — feature CHW interviews, skill role-plays, and “counter” role-plays that show what to avoid.
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Real-World Case Studies Case studies from leading clinics and organizations highlight better-practice standards and bring each chapter’s competencies to life.
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Companion Training Guide A free Training Guide offers step-by-step training plans and assessment resources for every chapter, plus additional educational videos.
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Rooted in Equity & Cultural Humility Throughout, the book centers social justice, cultural humility, and person- and community-centered practice that respects the wisdom and autonomy of CHWs and the communities they serve.
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