The Power of Community Health Workers in Improving Access to Care
In late 2024, local nonprofit Together for West Philadelphia (T4WP) and Accelerate Health Equity joined forces to convene key partners — including AHE representatives from Drexel University, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Penn Medicine, and Spectrum Health — to create the West Philadelphia Health Access Coalition.
The Coalition launched the Together for West Philadelphia Health Access Links (T4WP HEALS) program in March 2025 to create easy pathways to primary and specialty care by partnering with local community-based organizations and mobilizing Health Ambassadors from within the West Philadelphia community. These ambassadors work to connect residents to Community Health Workers (CHWs). These trained CHWs help to connect individuals and families to doctors and specialists who can address their unmet social needs and health concerns. CHWs play a key role in streamlining and personalizing access to healthcare.
To learn more about the program and its progress, we sat down for a quick Q&A with Aaliyah Rogers, the original Program Manager for the T4WP HEALS Program. Aaliyah was an integral piece of the program’s launch and has since moved on to continue her work as a full-time CHW for Main Line Health. During her time with T4WP HEALS, Aaliyah saw the impact of the program on West Philadelphians and learned how deeply important CHW roles like hers are in the work to create a more equitable healthcare ecosystem in our city.
Can you describe your role in the T4WP HEALS program?
As Program Manager for the T4WP HEALS initiative, I had the opportunity to lead key efforts while fulfilling the practicum requirements for my MSW Advanced Standing Program at Temple University. My responsibilities included managing referrals, supporting both Health Ambassadors and CHWs, coordinating community events to get the word out about the program, and facilitating training and meetings for our staff. I also maintained program data and represented T4WP HEALS at events and conferences. This role allowed me to build a robust skill set and gain hands-on experience in the nonprofit space, which I will take with me in my future work as a CHW.
In your experience, how have community members and leaders of the trusted venues reacted to the program?
I’ve had many meaningful interactions with HEALS Health Ambassadors who represent our Trusted Venue Network and community partners. Through meetings and one-on-one conversations, the feedback they’ve shared with me has been overwhelmingly positive. Community members that we have met at events often expressed genuine appreciation for the program, frequently noting how essential the services are and wishing they had known about HEALS earlier.
Have you seen any exciting progress in the program so far?
Since joining the team in October 2024, I’ve witnessed significant milestones. I remember the program in its beginning stages when we were still building out all the details and then I saw it through to its launch in March 2025. The program has now reached over 65 referrals as of September 2025. As those numbers continue to grow, the Trusted Venue Network is expanding— meaning more community partners will act as sites for the program — which speaks to the growing impact and reach of the program.
What have you learned from working as a CHW within the HEALS program?
Being part of this initiative from its inception taught me how vital CHWs are as bridges between communities and health systems. As community members ourselves, we use our access and understanding of healthcare to support individuals who face barriers. I’ve come to deeply appreciate the value of my role and feel proud to be a part of a system that empowers others.
As your time working on the T4WP HEALS program comes to a close, do you have any hopes for where the work will go in the future?
I have high hopes for the future of the T4WP HEALS program. I've seen it grow through the expansion of growing the Trusted Venue Network and successful replication of the program in new regions, including the launch of Together for Chester in Chester County. With the continued dedication of current leadership and staff, I’m confident that the HEALS program will keep evolving and making a meaningful impact on West Philadelphians!
What are your future plans as a CHW in Philadelphia?
Looking ahead, I plan to continue my work as a CHW by helping communities navigate the healthcare system and overcome barriers to access the healthcare they deserve. I’m committed to advancing health equity initiatives and advocating for accessible healthcare for all Philadelphians and other communities.
