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Traditional Health Workers (THWs)

The term "Traditional Health Worker" refers to the six different worker-types:

Community Health Worker (CHW)
Peer Support Specialist (PSS)
Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS)
Personal Health Navigator (PHN)
Birth Doula
Tribal Traditional Health Worker (TTHW)

Reciprocity on Pause

Reciprocity for Birth Doulas and Peer Support Specialists from Washington is currently on pause, as of 2/11/2026. There is not an expected reinstatement date yet.

Legacy Clause Expired

Due to the expiration of EID 1-2025 CHAPTER 950 under OAR 950-060-0060, until further notice, we are unable to process applications using the Legacy Clause. This pathway to certification will be re-considered through our rulemaking process.

THW Drop-in Office Hours: Every Tuesday from 2:00pm to 3:00pm at 800 NE Oregon St. Room 1C. Portland, OR 97232. Please email thw.program@odhsoha.oregon.gov or leave a message on our voicemail line at 971-673-3353 if you have any questions or want to schedule a virtual help session.

THW Home

Traditional Health Workers (THWs)

THW Program Announcements & Updates - Updated 04/20/2026Expand for more details.

Reciprocity on Pause

Legacy Clause Expired

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