Lisa Renee Siciliano, LSWA and Geoffrey Wilkinson, MSW. Massachusetts Public Health Association, 4 Lancaster Terrace, Worcester, MA 01609, (508)791-5893, lrsiciliano@aol.com

CHWs are effective in disseminating public health information and policy to communities. CHWs are broadening advocacy activities to include not only advocacy for clients but also for public health policy. APHA affiliates effectively advocate for public health policy on local and state levels. Affiliates can offer CHWs a forum for enhanced public health policy advocacy. Joining affiliates is often overlooked by CHWs and few affiliates recognize the value of reaching out to CHWs as members. Partnering with state affiliates benefits both affiliates and CHWs. Benefits to affiliates include increased membership, increased visibility, enhanced credibility in the community and enhanced grass roots advocacy. Benefits to CHWs include a forum to educate other public health professionals about CHWs, current policy information, the opportunity to participate in organized action to improve health, and increased advocacy power. The Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA), the nation’s oldest state public health association and the Massachusetts Community Health Worker (MACHW) Network have a unique partnership, which has been a benefit to all. CHWs are now embraced and promoted as public health professionals by MPHA, are actively recruited as members and have a louder advocacy voice. MPHA has increased membership, a more diverse representation of public health professionals and more community-based public health advocacy. The presenters, representing both MACHW and MPHA, one of whom is a CHW, have been active in the process to engage CHWs with the state affiliate. This interactive session will offer participants concrete strategies for integrating CHWs into state affiliates to enhance public health advocacy.

Learning Objectives: