Through CHW legislation, Illinois has adopted the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) CHW definition.  APHA CHW section defines a CHW as a frontline public health worker who is a trusted member of and/or has an unusually close understanding of the community served.  This trusting relationship enables the CHW to serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.  A CHW also builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.