Community health worker training and certification programs in the United States: findings from a national survey
Objective: To analyze trends and various approaches to professional development in selected community health worker (CHW) training and certification programs in the United States. We examined the expected outcomes and goals of different training and certification programs related to individual CHWs as well as the community they serve. Method: A national survey of CHW training […]
From Rhetoric to Reality-Community Health Workers in Post-Reform U.S. Health Care
Various policies and programs should accelerate the adoption and growth of U.S. CHW programs. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation is supporting several demonstrations of care models that include CHWs. Numerous health care providers and Medicaid payers have developed internal financing strategies to support CHW-based interventions for high utilizers of care. On the basis […]
Sustainability of promotora initiatives: Program planners’ perspectives
The use of promotoras de salud is an increasingly widespread delivery approach for community-based health education and promotion programs targeting obesity-related lifestyle behaviors for Hispanic populations. Addressing a gap in the literature, this research examined the sustainability of promotora-led initiatives from the perspectives of those who plan, implement, and evaluate these programs. We conducted 24 […]
Community Health Workers: Expanding the Scope of the Health Care Delivery System
Ensuring that underserved populations receive needed health care services is a challenge for policymakers. The changing landscape of the U.S. population, which is growing older and more diverse, coupled with other challenges—the increasing complexity of the health care system, rising health care costs, growing numbers of uninsured, more people with chronic diseases, and provider shortages—have […]
Community Health Workers in the Midwest: Understanding and developing the workforce Findings from a Study of Community Health Workers’ Role, Professional Development, and Cancer Information Needs Conducted for the American Cancer Society
Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a unique and valuable role in their communities, particularly in reducing health disparities by reaching underserved populations. To support efforts to build CHWs into a sustainable component of the health care system, the American Cancer Society – Midwest Division sought to increase understanding of and document the work of the […]
Promising Practices for Rural Community Health Worker Programs
This project identified six rural CHW models in the literature and in practice: promotora, member of the care delivery team, care coordinator, health educator, outreach and enrollment agent, and community organizer and capacity builder. The 330A Outreach Authority grantees offer promising strategies in the areas of program implementation, evaluation, and sustainability. An empowerment approach to […]
The Evolution, Expansion, and Effectiveness of Community Health Workers
This paper describes the current state of knowledge about how and where CHWs can contribute effectively, where barriers inhibit efficient deployment of CHWs, and what business models could support change. Observations come from literature reviews, key stakeholder interviews, case studies of CHW initiatives, and a convening of practitioners, employers, advocates, policymakers, and other experts. This […]
Incorporating Community Health Workers into State Health Care Systems: Options for Policymakers
Document provides examples of CHW programs from several states and lists CHW responsibilities. It also elaborates on CHW’s effect on quality and cost, CHWs and health care teams, CHWs and Medicaid, financing CHWs, and legislative action and policy considerations.
Do State Community Health Worker Laws Align with Best Available Evidence?
Abstract: Community health workers (CHWs) are expected to improve patient care and population health while reducing health care costs. Law is a tool states are using to build a supportive infrastructure for the CHW workforce. This study assessed the extent existing state law pertaining to the CHW workforce aligned with best available evidence. We used […]
Fact Sheet: Community Health Worker (CHW) Certification
Fact sheet on CHW certification with an explanation of why CHWs are effective, a list of the core skills CHWs possess, an explanation of the distinctive CHW capabilities, elaboration of certification process issues and stakeholder beliefs and preconceptions, and an outline for creating a responsive certification system.