Claire Hughes, MSW, LSW

Claire Hughes has over 10 years of field experience as a community health worker, specializing in maternal child health and serving rural populations. Currently a doctoral candidate in Population Health at Southern Illinois University, her research focuses on advancing the CHW workforce, complemented by her leadership in supervising CHWs directly. 

A licensed social worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work, Claire completed fellowship training in trauma-informed behavioral health through the SIU School of Medicine. She actively contributes to policy development through her service on the Workforce Development Committee of the National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW) and as a board member of the Illinois Rural Health Association (IRHA). 

Claire's work is driven by her passion for teaching and trauma-informed care. She is dedicated to enhancing healthcare access and elevating the voices of vulnerable communities through targeted education, hands-on support, and strategic policy development.