House Bill th OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY Regular Session Sponsored by Representatives GALLEGOS, KENY-GUYER; Representatives CLEM, LIVELY, THOMPSON,WEIDNER SUMMARY The following summary is not prepared by the sponsors of the measure and is not a part of the body thereof subject to consideration by the Legislative Assembly. It is an editor’s brief statement of the essential features of the measure as introduced. Establishes Traditional Health Workers Commission within Oregon Health Authority to adopt by rule criteria and descriptions for coordinated care organizations to use with respect to health workers who are not licensed by this state and training and education requirements for those workers.

Traditional Health Worker (THW) Program The purpose of the Traditional Health Worker (THW) program is to: ​Help THWs in Oregon become trained and certified to meet current standards; Diversify the health care workforce in Oregon; Provide high-quality and culturally competent care to Oregon's growing diverse populations; and Promote health equity. What are THWs? THWs help individuals in their communities by providing physical and behavioral health services. There are 5 THW types: Community Health Workers (CHW): Assist community members in receiving the health care they need. Peer Support Specialists (PSS): Provide support, encouragement, and assistance to addictions and mental heath consumers. Peer Wellness Specialists (PWS): Provide support, encouragement, and assistance to address physical and mental health needs. Personal health navigators (NAV): Provide care coordination for members from within the health system. Birth Doulas: Provide companionship and personal, nonmedical support to women and families throughout the childbirth and post-partum experience.

K We provide trauma- informed care that acknowledges the historical trauma experienced by communities of color.

THE WOW TEAM A program of the Oregon Community Health Workers Association (ORCHWA)