Centering the Margins: Celebrating the Impact of Community Health Workers on Health Equity
Personnel from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity and Baltimore Museum of Art with Baltimore Community Health Workers at the Baltimore Museum of Art on November 21, 2024
Photo By Will Kirk/Johns Hopkins University
On Thursday, November 21, 2024, the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity (CHE) and Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) co-hosted an evening dedicated to uplifting the incredible work of Baltimore’s community health worker (CHW) workforce, entitled, “Centering the Margins: Uplifting Community Health Workers to Advance Health Equity.”
An impetus of the event was the groundbreaking installation, More Than Conquerors: A Monument for Community Health Workers of Baltimore, Maryland 2021-2022, that resulted from a collaboration between the artist LaToya Ruby Frazier, researchers at CHE, and the Maryland Association of Community Health Workers. The installation celebrates CHWs as people and underscores their essential role in addressing systemic health disparities.
In her remarks at the November event, BMA’s Director Asma Naeem emphasized the installation’s dual role as an artistic and social milestone, bridging the gap between art and activism.
“This extraordinary, powerful, and moving installation is a compelling reminder of the environmental and social challenges faced by communities across Baltimore and beyond,” said Naeem.
The evening highlighted Baltimore CHWs’ tireless efforts in fostering trust and providing care in underserved communities.
Dr. Lisa Cooper, CHE Director, provided welcome remarks and framing of the event, describing who CHWs are and sharing the science documenting their proven benefits for health systems and patients.
“‘Centering the Margins’ speaks to amplifying the voices of this corps of often overlooked professionals. While often serving on the outside of more traditional forms of health care, community health workers’ contributions and expertise—and their ability to help patients in their own communities are crucial to our efforts to achieve health equity for everyone,” said Cooper.
The event featured a dynamic panel discussion, moderated by CHE Associate Director for Community Engagement, Chidinma Ibe, PhD, where CHWs shared deeply moving and transformational stories, showcasing the power of their work.
Photo By Will Kirk/Johns Hopkins University
Left to Right: Latish Walker, Wil Torriente, Madelin Martinez, Chidinma Ibe
Panelist Latish Walker spoke passionately about her own experiences with homelessness and systemic barriers, which have shaped her ability to connect deeply with patients.
“When I think about how we connect with patients,” Walker said, “it’s because we’ve been there. We’ve lived those challenges.”
Panelist Wil Torriente described CHWs as the “GPS along the health journey,” helping patients navigate complex medical and social systems. Their work involves addressing not only medical needs but also the social determinants of health - from housing stability to employment opportunities.
Panelist Madelin Martinez shared her perspective as a bilingual CHW who serves immigrant communities.
“I grew up as an immigrant and I was thrown into a system that I really didn't understand… that perspective allowed me to connect with the patients that I work with. Most of them were immigrants from all over the world.”
The evening also served as a platform for advocacy, with speakers highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms to support CHWs, including fair wages, professional recognition, and sustainable funding. CHE Director Lisa Cooper, MD, MPH called for standardized practices and certification for CHWs to ensure their contributions are fully integrated into healthcare systems.
“We need standardized practices for CHW certification and deployment... and we need to advocate for consistent funding sources and policies that recognize and reward the vital work of CHWs,” Cooper said.
The event concluded with an invitation to explore Frazier’s installation and reflect on the stories it amplifies. As attendees moved through the exhibit, live music and community connections filled the space, reinforcing the evening’s message: that art has the power to inspire change and that CHWs are not just caregivers but leaders in the fight for health equity.
The work displayed at the BMA reminds us of the profound connections between art, advocacy, and systemic change. As policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community members, we are called to uplift and support the CHWs who stand at the forefront of health equity.
Learn More About the Exhibit, which is on view until March 23rd