This review article explores the various definitions and descriptions of CHWs in the literature. It also identifies common themes in these definitions to better understand the essential characteristics of health workers classified as CHWs and to distinguish them from other healthcare providers. By describing the various categories of CHWs, this resource helps to clarify the use … [Read more...] about Who is a community health worker? — a systematic review of definitions
North America (U.S. and Canada)
CHW Resources
A Community Health Worker (CHW) is a public health worker that is committed to improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare and social services in a community. The CDC has compiled a webpage with resources collected from their projects across the organization related to CHWs. This page serves as an excellent resource for both CHW workers as well as people … [Read more...] about CHW Resources
Community health workers for universal health-care coverage: from fragmentation to synergy
To achieve universal health coverage, health systems will have to reach into every community, including the poorest and hardest to access. Since Alma-Ata, inconsistent support of community health workers (CHWs) and failure to integrate them into the health system have impeded full realization of their potential contribution in the context of primary health care. Scaling up and … [Read more...] about Community health workers for universal health-care coverage: from fragmentation to synergy
Cracking the Nut Health 2016: The Role of Communities in Building Resilient Health Systems
The learning event, Cracking the Nut Health: The Role of Communities in Building Resilient Health Systems took place July 18-19, 2016 in Washington, D.C., which focused on the three core themes: Using Measurement and Analytics to Improve Accountability, Leveraging Partnerships to Promote Resilience; and Scaling Technology and Innovation to Increase Impact. The … [Read more...] about Cracking the Nut Health 2016: The Role of Communities in Building Resilient Health Systems
How States Can Fund Community Health Workers through Medicaid to Improve People’s Health, Decrease Costs, and Reduce Disparities
This brief explains how community health workers improve people’s health, reduce health care costs, and address barriers to care. The brief continues to discuss key questions regarding sustainable funding of CHW programs through Medicaid reimbursement for states that want to start or expand such programs. Case studies in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New Mexico are presented, … [Read more...] about How States Can Fund Community Health Workers through Medicaid to Improve People’s Health, Decrease Costs, and Reduce Disparities