The NACHW What Works Toolkit Series was developed through extensive dialogue with hundreds of Community Health Workers (CHWs) (including Community Health Representatives (CHRs), Promotoras, Aunties and more) across the United States. We sought to learn about “What Works” and CHW-led innovations to enhance health and well-being among four populations which experience longstanding health burdens:
Guided by an advisory of CHW and ally Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), we conducted a national outreach effort to ensure broad inclusion of CHWs from across the country. Our approach featured a national survey and listening sessions for each community of focus.
Over 250 CHWs completed the survey (284 total) – with lived and professional experience serving communities in 47 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 37 Native American tribes and nations.
Through this work, we identified several examples highlighting the tremendous potential of CHW-led innovations and documented guiding principles of “What Works,” featuring:
- Information about urgent health needs and barriers facing each community;
- Key principles and elements of effective CHW efforts and innovations serving members of the community;
- Case examples of noteworthy CHW-led innovations and approaches; and
- Principles for effective partner engagement.
The toolkits highlight that CHWs are unique stakeholders with unique expertise – as frontline public health workers and “boots on the ground,” CHWs share lived experience, health conditions and backgrounds with community members they serve. This work highlights the critical role of CHW leadership and expertise in developing, implementing, and sustaining approaches to improving community health now and in the future.
These toolkits serve as a resource for CHWs and partners seeking to strengthen and build upon what works and advance the promise of CHW-led innovation.
A national webinar will be held in the Spring to share the findings of the survey and toolkits.
Read each of the toolkits here!
