This information was collected through a combination of state surveys and NASHP staff research. It offers a snapshot of how the state is defining, training, certifying, and paying for the CHW workforce — as well as how the state is developing cross-agency and state-to-local strategies to improve community health in partnership with CHWs.
This is a dynamic policy space, and states are continuing to develop new approaches. We will continue to make periodic updates to this page. Learn more about state CHW policies across the U.S.
State CHW Definition
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) website states that “Community Health Workers are at the heart of public health. They bridge the gap between health care providers and the communities they serve. As trusted members within their neighborhoods, CHWs play a pivotal role in promoting health, preventing diseases, and fostering well-being. CHWs are dedicated to making sure everyone, especially those in underserved areas, get the health care and support they need.”
State CHW Governance
New Jersey does not have a dedicated state office of CHWs. CHW training is situated within the Department of Health-Division of Family Health Services.
Certification and Training
NJDOH established the Colette Lamothe-Galette Community Health Worker Institute through a New Jersey Department of Labor Apprenticeship program to create a standardized CHW training and certificate program with core competencies.
The NJDOH Emerging Leaders professional training program for CHWs was established in partnership with Princeton AlumniCorps. Trainees are selected through a competitive process to join a cohort of emerging leaders to receive free leadership training.
Rutgers ECHO partners have hosted CHW-focused ECHO ongoing education and development for CHWs.
Medicaid Reimbursement
New Jersey’s section 1115 demonstration waiver includes a CHW pilot program that may be funded up to $5 million per year.
Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) are encouraged to explore community partnerships and engage in outreach to vulnerable populations; these efforts may include CHWs.
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms
New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) received funding from the CDC Community Health Workers for COVID Response and Resilient Communities (CCR) initiative. These dollars have been used to:
- Create a CHW Hub to more effectively manage and support community-based organizations (CBOs) in training, engaging, deploying, and sustaining CHW workforce.
- Expand the CHW training curriculum to include additional competencies and integrating CHWs into new settings.
- Establish the NJDOH Emerging Leaders program.
- Developing a CHW lead Certification Advisory Committee.
- Track metrics on DOH-funded community-based organizations, CHWs, and community activities to access impact.
Using state-appropriated funds, NJDOH has continued to expand the CLG-CHWI’s core competency training and fund other specialized CHW training.
Key Partnerships
Acenda Inc. was awarded the CCR subgrant in 2023 to establish and operate the CHW Hub. Under the direction of the CHW Hub, the following partners collaborate on CHW workforce focused committees to address and achieve state objectives.
- Seton Hall University School of Law: Sustainability and Employment Committee
- Camden Coalition: Certification, Education and Curriculum Committee
- Partners In Health: Infrastructure and Systems Capacity Committee; Engagement, Recruitment, & Retention Committee
- Legislative Work Group
- Many state-wide stakeholder partners: CHW Hub Advisory Committee
CHW training partners include Rutgers Project ECHO, Princeton Alumni Corps, and NJ County Colleges. CCR evaluation partner is Rutgers School of Public Health.
State CHW Legislation
Information is unavailable.
State Resources
ACO – Accountable care organization
AHEC – Area Health Education Centers
APHA – American Public Health Association
APM – Alternative payment model
CBO – Community-based organization
CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC CCR Funding – Community Health Workers for COVID Response and Resilient Communities Funding
CHR – Community health representative
CHW – Community health worker
CPT Codes – Current Procedural Terminology Codes
C3 Project – CHW Core Competency Project
FFS – Fee for services
HCSPCS Codes – Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System Codes
HRSA – Health Resources & Services Administration
MCO – Managed care organization
NACHW – National Association of Community Health Workers
SDOH – Social determinants of health
VBP – Value-based payment
State CHW Definition: This category indicates where states have a formal definition of a CHW. In some cases, where there is not a definition in statute, this category may draw information from provider manuals and state websites or reports.
Certification and Training: This category includes information about how CHWs are trained in the state, which entities provide training, whether or not the state runs or recognizes a CHW certification program, and information about the entities that administer existing certification programs.
Medicaid Reimbursement: This category includes information about state Medicaid strategies that provide enrollees access to CHW services. Entries indicate whether state Medicaid programs currently reimburse for CHW services or incorporate CHWs into alternative payment models under the authority of a state plan amendment (SPA), or where states have earmarked funds to support CHW services under the authority of an 1115 demonstration waiver. It also indicates where CHW services might be supported through managed care approaches (e.g., where MCOs are paying for CHW services using administrative dollars or where states are using managed care contracts to incentivize or require MCOs to cover CHW services).
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms: This category includes information about other state funding or financing approaches that cover CHW services or CHW positions. It includes information about federal grant dollars for which the state is the grantee.
Key Partnerships: This category offers information about key partners outside state government, including state CHW associations and CHW training entities, and highlights formal cross-agency partnerships within the state that support alignment of funding and resources for the CHW workforce.
State CHW Legislation: This category highlights any state legislation relevant to the CHW workforce. This might include statutory language directing agencies to develop a Medicaid reimbursement approach, laws that established state CHW certification, or other relevant statutes.
State Resources: This category offers links to any key reports or resources that states elected to highlight as critical to CHW policy and partnership.
