The Appalachian Kentucky Health Care Access Network (AKHCAN) was founded more than 25 years ago as a coalition of community partners responding to a tuberculosis outbreak that highlighted the urgent need for culturally and linguistically appropriate health outreach. From those beginnings, when two Spanish-speaking promotoras (community health workers) built bridges between families and providers, AKHCAN has grown into a statewide network committed to improving access to quality care for all Kentuckians.

Over the years, AKHCAN has helped train and support hundreds of Community Health Workers (CHWs), guided Kentucky’s CHW certification process, and partnered with organizations across the state to build sustainable community-based health initiatives. The network formalized as a nonprofit organization in 2013 to continue this legacy and ensure long-term sustainability.

Today, AKHCAN is one of only three organizations in Kentucky approved by the state to provide CHW certification training and the only one operating independently without major institutional funding. Despite its small team, AKHCAN has trained the majority of the state’s 600+ certified CHWs, proving that impact doesn’t require a large budget, just dedication, collaboration, and heart.

Guided by the values of connection, equity, and empowerment, AKHCAN continues to serve as Kentucky’s bridge between communities and health systems. From state-approved training and professional development to innovative new programs like the Central High School CHW pilot, AKHCAN is investing in the next generation of changemakers who will carry this work forward.