Community Health Workers (CHWs) are the heart of public health—trusted community members who serve as vital links between individuals and the healthcare system. Their work is especially critical in underserved areas, where they help people access care, understand their health, and navigate complex systems.
At Centro Unido Latino Americano in McDowell County, CHWs are more than just health advocates—they are educators, connectors, and champions for community wellbeing.
CHWs engage with the community in meaningful ways—through home visits, events, and even social media—to raise awareness and promote healthier lives.
Rooted in Community
Founded nearly 14 years ago, CULA is a nonprofit dedicated to creating educational, economic, and cultural opportunities for the Latinx community. Over the years, CULA has grown exponentially, especially since 2020 in the wake of the pandemic and the growing needs in the community.
Under the current leadership of interim executive director Laura Zapater, CULA continues to expand its reach across six strategic areas: health, education, arts and culture, workforce development, leadership, and community support. Laura began her work at CULA as a CHW.
CULA runs a variety of remarkable programs that really make a difference in the community. Their Very Healthy Minds initiative helps people learn about mental health, fight stigma, and find the support they need. They also offer after school and adult education classes, like computer skills and entrepreneurship, to help folks grow and succeed. Through youth leadership programs and a summer Youth Summit, young people get the chance to speak up, get involved in local government, and push for change.
Their food pantry has been a lifeline—especially with the increased demand after the hurricane—and focuses on providing culturally familiar foods.
And to build community, CULA hosts cultural events like the Culturas Unidas Festival, which drew over 4,000 people last year to celebrate the community’s vibrant traditions.
Responding to Crisis with Compassion
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, CULA raised over half a million dollars to support area families, especially those ineligible for traditional aid. From helping a family in Black Mountain restore
power to connecting survivors with trauma-informed mental health care, CULA’s response has been deeply personal and impactful. The funds they received through Impact Health allowed them to provide emergency assistance such as temporary shelter, rent, food, and other necessities for many families who were ineligible for federal or state relief and had nowhere else to turn.
Laura Galindo, one of CULA’s CHWs, describes another crisis many immigrant families face – separation that can last years or even decades. CULA held a family reunification celebration after partnering with another program and putting in countless hours of work to help bring together more than 30 families in the community.
“Watching people reunite with loved ones they hadn’t seen in over 20 years—seeing the joy on their faces as they hugged each other again—was incredibly powerful,” she said. “That moment reminded me exactly why I do what I do—it made everything feel so worth it.”
Strengthening CHW Capacity
With support from the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) Grant, CULA has expanded outreach and training for CHWs, enhancing their ability to connect community members with essential services. The program has fostered deeper conversations and stronger community ties.
“We really found the training to be so helpful for our community health workers,” said Laura. “If anyone couldn’t make it, those that attended would share the training with them. And being able to hire an additional CHW specifically for HOP has provided us with connections we otherwise wouldn’t have known even existed.”
Looking Ahead
As policies shift and community needs evolve, CULA remains committed to adapting its services—whether that means delivering food boxes or offering in-home application assistance for programs like Medicaid and HOP. The organization’s partnership with Impact Health underscores a shared commitment to investing in CHWs and building a healthier, more resilient community.
“With the current situation, some days it’s hard to be hopeful because we see what we do at risk and we know that the work we do serves so many people,” said Zapater. “But I know there are a lot of people out there who care, and organizations like Impact Health who are supporting us, and that helps us keep going.”
“I think now more than ever there’s a need to work together, as communities, as a region, with the services provided and the resources shared, we need to stay united.”
New to Community Health Work?
CHWs engage with the community in meaningful ways—through home visits, events, and even social media—to raise awareness and promote healthier lives. Their key responsibilities include:
- Health Education and Promotion: Sharing culturally relevant health information to empower individuals to make informed decisions.
- Case Management and Advocacy: Helping people access services and advocating for their needs within the healthcare system.
- Data Collection: Gathering insights to identify community health trends and inform public health strategies.
- Collaboration: Partnering with healthcare providers and local organizations to ensure comprehensive support.
CHWs play a crucial role in:
- Bridging Gaps: Overcoming language, cultural, and systemic barriers to care.
- Building Trust: As familiar faces in the community, they foster trust and encourage healthy behaviors.
- Addressing Disparities: Ensuring equitable access to resources for all.
- Improving Outcomes: Reducing chronic disease burdens through education and support.
You can learn more about this critical community health workforce and training opportunities by visiting the North Carolina Community Health Worker Association website.
