CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

North America (U.S. and Canada)

Implementing a Community Health Worker Model to Address Health-Related Social Needs in a Community Pharmacy Network: A Pragmatic Evaluation

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This study tested a program in New York where pharmacy staff were trained as community health workers to screen for social needs like food, housing, and transportation, and connect patients to support. Out of more than 1,000 people screened, nearly half of referrals were successfully resolved. The program also proved cost-effective, saving far more than it cost to run. The … [Read more...] about Implementing a Community Health Worker Model to Address Health-Related Social Needs in a Community Pharmacy Network: A Pragmatic Evaluation

Equity-Centered Development of a Community Health Worker Intervention to Improve Engagement in Care for ADHD

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This study developed and tested a new program called START (SupporT for ADHD and Related Treatment), where community health workers support families of children recently diagnosed with ADHD. Eighteen families participated, and most reported high satisfaction, saying START made them more open to using medication, therapy, or school services. Families also showed increased … [Read more...] about Equity-Centered Development of a Community Health Worker Intervention to Improve Engagement in Care for ADHD

People Versus Product: Conditions for Success for Community Health Workers as Sustainable Members of the Public Health Workforce

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This study looked at community health workers’ (CHWs) experiences during COVID-19 response efforts in Orange County, California. CHWs said their ability to connect with communities was valued, but their behind-the-scenes work often went unrecognized, and low pay and limited support made their jobs harder. They emphasized the need for fair compensation and proper recognition to … [Read more...] about People Versus Product: Conditions for Success for Community Health Workers as Sustainable Members of the Public Health Workforce

Community health worker interventions in diabetes and depression: meta-analysis

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This review analyzed studies on whether community health workers (CHWs) help people with both diabetes and depression. Results showed that CHW support led to small improvements in depression and blood sugar levels, but the changes were not statistically significant. Even so, the evidence suggests CHWs can still benefit vulnerable groups by offering culturally tailored support … [Read more...] about Community health worker interventions in diabetes and depression: meta-analysis

Caring Within Platform Capitalism: Community Health Workers’ Perspectives on Social Media for Health Promotion and Advocacy

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This study explored how community health workers (CHWs) use social media in their work. Through interviews and group discussions in one of the southeastern U.S. states, researchers found that while CHWs rarely post in official roles, they do use social media in other ways to support their communities and connect with peers. They often struggle with balancing personal and … [Read more...] about Caring Within Platform Capitalism: Community Health Workers’ Perspectives on Social Media for Health Promotion and Advocacy