Public health crises like HIV, hepatitis C, and opioid overdoses often overlap, worsening health disparities, especially in marginalized communities. Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Peer Support Specialists (PSSs) play crucial roles in addressing these challenges—CHWs focus on health education and resource navigation, while PSSs provide support through lived experience in … [Read more...] about Dual Certification Of Community Health Workers And Certified Peer Support Specialists Can Better Address Syndemics
CHW Certification
The Launch of Massachusetts Community Health Worker Certification: Findings From the Massachusetts Community Health Worker Workforce Surveys
This study evaluates the impact of the 2018 state certification for community health workers (CHWs) in Massachusetts. Surveys were conducted with CHWs and their employers in 2016 and 2021 to assess the effects of certification. The results showed that certification led to higher pay, better perceptions of CHWs, and better integration into care teams for certified CHWs. There … [Read more...] about The Launch of Massachusetts Community Health Worker Certification: Findings From the Massachusetts Community Health Worker Workforce Surveys
Anthropometric knowledge and measurement evaluation among female volunteer community health workers in Depok
This study evaluated the knowledge, accuracy, and precision of female volunteer community health workers (FVCHWs) in anthropometric assessment for children's nutritional status. Thirty-two participants were assessed after receiving education on anthropometric measurement. Results showed good precision but poor accuracy among FVCHWs, indicating the need for standardized … [Read more...] about Anthropometric knowledge and measurement evaluation among female volunteer community health workers in Depok
Evaluating the association of state regulation of community health workers on adoption of standard roles, skills, and qualities by employers in select states: a mixed methods study
In the United States, CHW roles vary across states and intervention areas. This mixed-methods study aimed to describe these differences and recommend evidence-based standards for CHWs going forward. It determined that to improve the delivery of culturally competent care, CHW certification programs should adopt standards with requirements set by states and professional … [Read more...] about Evaluating the association of state regulation of community health workers on adoption of standard roles, skills, and qualities by employers in select states: a mixed methods study
Don’t change who we are but give us a chance: confronting the potential of community health worker certification for workforce recognition and exclusion
Promotores de salud are a subset of CHWs that primarily serve the Latinx community. In many US states, CHWs and promotores do not have unified training standards or formal certification. This study recommended that California implement voluntary CHW certification and to give CHWs agency in the certification process. … [Read more...] about Don’t change who we are but give us a chance: confronting the potential of community health worker certification for workforce recognition and exclusion