There are an estimated 3,000 Community Health Workers in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is developing a statewide certification process for Community Health Workers and CHW training programs to recognize and professionalize this cadre. Various stakeholders beyond the state agency are fully involved. Regulations for certifying CHWs and CHW … [Read more...] about Massachusetts Paves the Path to CHW Certification
United States of America
Promising Approaches to Integrating Community Health Workers into Health Systems: Four Case Studies
The productive roles that community health workers (CHWs) can play in health care are drawing increasing interest among US policymakers, providers, insurers, and other stakeholders. While there is a growing interest, little has been documented about the scope of practice, supervision, and human resources standards implemented by states and by employers of CHWs, or how CHWs are … [Read more...] about Promising Approaches to Integrating Community Health Workers into Health Systems: Four Case Studies
Opportunities for Community Health Workers in the Era of Health Reform
Health reform has created a watershed moment for community health workers (CHWs). Both coverage expansions and a new focus on creating value in health care offer new opportunities for CHWs. This paper assesses existing impediments to and enablers of the expansion of CHW employment. It catalogues how the ACA and other health reform efforts affect prospects for sustainable … [Read more...] about Opportunities for Community Health Workers in the Era of Health Reform
The Evolution, Expansion, and Effectiveness of Community Health Workers
In the past decade, the community health worker (CHW) profession in the United States has increased its visibility, but its potential contributions remain underappreciated and more permanent financing is elusive. 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 … [Read more...] about The Evolution, Expansion, and Effectiveness of Community Health Workers
Integrating Community Health Workers into a Reformed Health Care System
Community health workers (CHWs) can help to achieve the goals of the Affordable Care Act—better health, better care, and lower costs. CHWs are typically laypeople whose close connections with a community enable them to win trust and improve health and health services for those they serve. However, challenges with financing structures, workforce training, and service … [Read more...] about Integrating Community Health Workers into a Reformed Health Care System