Experiences of Community Health Worker Employers in Minnesota: A review of CHW utilization, lessons learned, and future outlook from select organizations employing CHWs in Minnesota

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are important health professionals who provide a broad range of health-related services reaching underserved populations in their respective communities. The work of CHWs can reduce health disparities and ensure culturally appropriate care. In order to support continued efforts to promote the value of CHWs in the community, the Minnesota Department of Health contracted with the Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance and Wilder Research to identify experiences of organizations that employ CHW certificate holders. These organizations shared a wide range of experiences related to their utilization of CHWs including: history of implementing CHWs, CHW roles within the organization, populations served, funding of CHW work, challenges and benefits of CHWs, and outcomes of CHWs.