Community health workers (CHWs) help improve children’s health by connecting families to services, providing support, and coordinating care. With Medicaid funding, health systems can create sustainable programs that include CHWs to improve access and address workforce gaps. This brief shares examples of successful CHW models and highlights how Medicaid can play a key role in … [Read more...] about Promoting Healthy Foundations: Medicaid Opportunities to Support Community Health Workers in Child Health Care
North America (U.S. and Canada)
A cross-sectional survey of community health workers and their roles in Indiana
This study surveyed 282 community health workers (CHWs) in Indiana to better understand their roles, backgrounds, and work conditions. Most CHWs were women, with diverse racial and ethnic representation. Many had college degrees, and one in five spoke more than one language. While most worked full-time and had completed training, their job titles and duties varied. CHWs were … [Read more...] about A cross-sectional survey of community health workers and their roles in Indiana
Social Worker and Community Health Worker Collaboration in Addressing Social Needs
This study explored how social workers (SWs) and community health workers (CHWs) help families with social needs during and after a child’s hospital stay. Interviews with staff at three children’s hospitals showed that SWs and CHWs play different but complementary roles. They work to support families while encouraging independence, but face challenges like keeping resource … [Read more...] about Social Worker and Community Health Worker Collaboration in Addressing Social Needs
Generational Perspectives and Advocacy Barriers Among Community Health Workers: Implications for Public Health Workforce Leadership
This study explored how age and experience affect the work of community health workers (CHWs) in Texas. Younger CHWs were more focused on mentorship, while older CHWs prioritized policy advocacy. Lack of funding was the top challenge, and newer CHWs reported more barriers and discrimination. Job satisfaction increased with age, highlighting the need for strategies that support … [Read more...] about Generational Perspectives and Advocacy Barriers Among Community Health Workers: Implications for Public Health Workforce Leadership
Incorporating community-engaged research into a statewide community health worker-driven infrastructure for addressing health disparities in public health emergency
This study looked at a new statewide model in Indiana that puts community health workers (CHWs) at the center of efforts to reduce health disparities and strengthen public health. Through focus groups across nine districts, CHWs and community partners proposed solutions like improving health literacy, expanding transportation, increasing access to care, and offering preventive … [Read more...] about Incorporating community-engaged research into a statewide community health worker-driven infrastructure for addressing health disparities in public health emergency