This study explored what helps community health workers (CHWs) keep their jobs and remain part of organisations over the long term, based on 27 interviews with CHWs, programme staff and partners involved in a US COVID-19 response initiative. It found that organisations differed in how well they understood and used CHWs’ skills, while supportive leaders, clear workplace policies … [Read more...] about “Invest in Us!” Exploring the Well-Being and Sustainability of the Community Health Worker Workforce
North America (U.S. and Canada)
Key Elements of a Community-Engaged Approach to Evaluating a Nationwide Community Health Worker Program
This study describes how a nationwide community health worker programme in the United States was evaluated between 2021 and 2024, with CHWs actively involved in leading the process. The approach helped assess the programme while ensuring that the experiences of CHWs and the communities they serve were considered. However, limited time, funding, staffing and differences in how … [Read more...] about Key Elements of a Community-Engaged Approach to Evaluating a Nationwide Community Health Worker Program
Involving Community Health Workers as Evaluation Leaders in a National Community Health Worker Initiative
This study examined how Community Health Workers (CHWs) helped evaluate a US initiative that supported communities during COVID-19 and prepared them for future health emergencies. CHWs took leadership roles in assessing the programme, helping ensure that the findings reflected the real needs and experiences of the communities they served. Although time constraints were a … [Read more...] about Involving Community Health Workers as Evaluation Leaders in a National Community Health Worker Initiative
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding End-of-Life Care: A Preliminary Study of Community Health Workers in Virginia
This study explored what Community Health Workers (CHWs) in Virginia know and how prepared they feel to support people nearing the end of life. The findings showed that workers generally understood palliative and hospice care and had positive attitudes towards it, but many lacked confidence in carrying out specific tasks. Cultural beliefs, language barriers, emotional demands, … [Read more...] about Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding End-of-Life Care: A Preliminary Study of Community Health Workers in Virginia
How Healthy Are Community Health Workers: Findings from a Chicago-Area Survey
This study examined the health and well-being of 179 Community Health Workers (CHWs) in the Chicago area. The findings showed that many CHWs faced mental health challenges, poor sleep, and limited emotional support. Nearly one-third reported fair or poor health, while about 62% had delayed medical care because of the cost. Although they had lower rates of some conditions, such … [Read more...] about How Healthy Are Community Health Workers: Findings from a Chicago-Area Survey