Traditional Health Workers

Welcome to the Traditional Health Worker (THW) resource page for Health Share of Oregon providers.

A Traditional Health Worker (THW) is a non-clinical provider type who, through shared life experience, can support members in getting services and care that support their health and well-being. THWs can help with:

  • Bridging communities and the health systems that serve them

  • Helping navigate health care and community resources

  • Advocating for health plan members

  • Supporting adherence to care and treatment

THWs can be found in both clinical and community-based settings. They are a free benefit to members and do not require a referral or prior authorization. Click here to learn more about partnering with Health Share as a THW.

There are five types of THW recognized by the Oregon Health Authority:

Peer Support Specialists
Community Health Worker
Peer Wellness Specialist
Personal Health Navigator
Birth Doula

Birth Doula

Birth Doulas help support people through pregnancy, birth, and after the baby is born.

  • They do not give medical care. They can help with comfort, emotional support, and finding other resources.

  • Every Health Share member can get at least 6 Doula visits. This includes support during birth and 2 visits after the baby is born.

  • Some of Health Share’s Birth Doulas are also trained as Peer Support Specialists. This means they can help pregnant and postpartum people who are experiencing substance use conditions. To learn more, see Project Nurture webpage.

Community Health Worker (CHWs)

Community Health Workers are trusted professionals who are close to the communities they serve.

CHWs connect members to health education,health screenings, health information in your culture or language, and other resources and services.

Personal Health Navigator

Personal Health Navigators are trained and certified professionals who help members understand their health care options.

They provide information, tools, and support to help members make health decisions that align with their needs, lifestyle, and health goals.

Peer Support Specialists

Peer Support Specialists are trained and certified professionals who support people experiencing mental health conditions and/or addiction.

They bring lived experience, such as experience with substance use, mental health conditions, or having family members with mental health conditions and/or addictions.

Some Peer Support Specialists are also trained as Birth Doulas and can support people experiencing substance use conditions while also pregnant and postpartum.

For more information, see Project Nurture webpage.

Peer Wellness Specialist

Peer Wellness Specialists have personal experience with mental health conditions.

They are trained to support whole-person wellness. They help members with mental and behavioral health, physical health, and long term (chronic) conditions.

Partnering with Health Share

THWs who are interested in supporting Health Share members and billing services can do so by connecting with the health plans in the Health Share network.

Each of the health plans below has a different process for their THW partnerships.

For more information about partnering with Health Share as a THW, please contact Health Share’s THW Liaison at thw.info@healthshareoregon.org.

Resources for THWs and Other Providers