Traditional Health Workers (THWs) are respected members of their local communities, often sharing similar socioeconomic backgrounds and life experiences with health plan members. Historically, THWs have played a vital role in offering person- and community-centered care by acting as a link between communities and health systems. They help improve the appropriate use of healthcare services by connecting individuals to the system, advocating for health plan members, assisting with understanding and following treatment plans, and empowering people to take an active role in enhancing their own health.

An individual who has expertise or experience in public health and works in either an urban or rural community, paid or as a volunteer, in association with a local healthcare system. They share, to the extent possible, ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status, and life experiences with the community members they serve. The CHW helps improve community health and strengthens the capacity to meet healthcare needs and promote wellness. They provide culturally appropriate health education, assist residents in accessing necessary care, offer peer counseling on health behaviors, and may provide direct services such as first aid or blood pressure screening.

An individual who provides information, assistance, tools, and support to help a patient make informed healthcare decisions based on their unique circumstances, needs, lifestyle, conditions, and desired outcomes.

A birth companion who offers personal, nonmedical support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

A peer support specialist is a self-identified individual currently or formerly receiving addiction or mental health services, someone in recovery from an addiction disorder who meets abstinence requirements for staff in alcohol or other drug treatment programs, or a self-identified individual in recovery from problem gambling. A PSS provides informal peer counseling and other support to persons struggling with mental health and/ or substance use disorders. Support may include resource navigation, addressing barriers and more.

An individual who, through community outreach, is responsible for assessing the mental health and substance use disorder service needs of a coordinated care organization member, helping members access available services and resources, addressing barriers to care, and providing education to reduce stigma and discrimination toward individuals with mental health or substance use disorders. They also assist members in creating and maintaining recovery, health, and wellness

*Peer Support Specialists and Peer Wellness Specialists each have four subtypes: Mental Health, Addictions, Youth and Family.