Healthy Food Rx Program - The Importance of Community Health Workers in Stockton, CA

Healthy Food Rx Program - The Importance of Community Health Workers in Stockton, CA

The APSARA CHWs play a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of their community as trusted messengers who reflect the people they serve. Fluent in the primary languages spoken in the area—English, Spanish, and Khmer—they bring not only linguistic accessibility but also personal connections to the issue of diabetes. Many have close family members or friends affected by the disease, giving them lived experiences that foster deep empathy and trust. This unique bond allows CHWs to form meaningful relationships with participants and provide support in a way that is both authentic and culturally relevant. Their strong ties to the community amplify the impact of the Healthy Food Rx program and are key to its ongoing success.