Pisando em terras desconhecidas: Uma experiência de Educação em Saúde com Agentes Comunitárias

Abstract

This experience report describes the conception and implementation of a cycle of Permanent Health Education activities with Community Health Workers (CHWs) in a small municipality in Minas Gerais, Brazil, developed during territorial immersion of two Collective Health residents. The actions emerged from daily observations in Primary Health Care, including participation in home visits, identification of frequent community doubts and recognition of structural limitations such as the absence of a Psychosocial Care Center. Three educational encounters were conducted: one to strengthen understanding of the Unified Health System (SUS), another to address fragmented knowledge related to “One Health”, and a third focused on mental health care and on mental health care and the recognition of suicidal ideation in contexts with restricted psychosocial resources. The process fostered critical reflection about work practices, reinforced the central role of CHWs in connecting technical and popular knowledge, and created a collaborative space where doubts, experiential knowledge and updated scientific information could circulate. Overall, the experience demonstrates how Permanent Health Education can support CHWs in small municipalities, broaden clinical and territorial perspectives, and contribute to more integrated and responsive community care.