Traditional Health Workers

There may be times when you need support to get health care beyond doctors and nurses. Traditional Health Workers are trained helpers who can support you and your family. 

Traditional Health Workers (THW) work in both clinics and in the community. Their services are free for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members. You do not need a referral from a doctor or approval ahead of time. Any OHP member can connect with a THW. 

There are 5 types of Traditional Health Workers in Oregon:

Birth Doula
Community Health Workers
Peer Support Specialist
Personal Health Navigator
Connect with a THW
Peer Wellness Specialist

Birth Doula

Birth Doulas are trained and certified helpers who support people through pregnancy, birth, and after the baby is born. They do not give medical care. They help with comfort, emotional support, and help you find resources.

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

Some of Health Share’s Birth Doulas are also Peer Support Specialists. This means they can help people with substance use needs during pregnancy and after the baby is born. To learn more, visit the Project Nurture webpage.

Community Health Worker (CHWs)

Community Health Workers are trained and certified helpers from the communities they serve. 

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

Personal Health Navigator

Personal Health Navigators are trained and certified helpers who explain your health care options. They give you information, tools, and support so you can make health decisions that fit your needs and goals.

Peer Support Specialists

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

They have lived experiences with these challenges or through a family member, 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 Birth Doulas. This means they help people with substance use needs during pregnancy and after the baby is born. 

To learn more, see the Project Nurture webpage.

Peer Wellness Specialist

Peer Wellness Specialists have personal experience with mental health conditions. They are trained to support whole-person health. They help members with mental and behavioral health, physical health, and long term (chronic) needs.

Connect with a THW

If you are interested in getting help from a THW, you can reach out to your health plan. You can also contact Health Share’s THW Liaison at thw.info@healthshareoregon.org or call Customer Service and Health Navigators at (503) 416-8090 or toll free at 888-519-3845(TTY/TDD 711).

CareOregon:

OHSU Health:

Providence Health Plan: