Community health workers (CHWs) have critical importance in health departments as they often share the same cultural background (ethnicity and language), socioeconomic status, and life experiences as members of underserved communities. This shared culture increases the level of trust between the community and health department. However, as a professional group, CHWs face several challenges related to their occupation, including limited visibility, low compensation, and work-related stressors contributing to burnout.

This article uses the Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey data to explore the organizational factors that contribute to CHWs’ intent to leave their jobs within local and state health departments in the United States.