For decades, family planning programs and other public health programs have utilized community health workers (CHWs) as a way to reach and serve disadvantaged populations, often immigrants leery of governmentsponsored programs. CHWs—who are generally lay members of the same communities these programs are seeking to serve—provide a variety of functions, including outreach, … [Read more...] about ‘I Am Who I Serve’—Community Health Workers In Family Planning Programs
Community Health Workers/Volunteers
Towards a Collective Understanding of the Information Needs of Health Care Providers in Low-Income Countries, and How to Meet Them
Poor knowledge among health care providers (including health workers and citizens) leads to poor health outcomes. This article discusses current linear research-to-practice paradigms and argues that these approaches are not meeting the needs of health care providers in low- and middle-income countries. It suggests a broader, needs-led approach. This approach must look beyond … [Read more...] about Towards a Collective Understanding of the Information Needs of Health Care Providers in Low-Income Countries, and How to Meet Them
Information needs of health care workers in developing countries: a literature review with a focus on Africa
Health care workers in developing countries continue to lack access to basic, practical information to enable them to deliver safe, effective care. This paper provides the first phase of a broader literature review of the information and learning needs of health care providers in developing countries.The studies suggest a gross lack of knowledge about the basics on how to … [Read more...] about Information needs of health care workers in developing countries: a literature review with a focus on Africa
A Summary of State Community Health Worker Laws
The Community Health Workers in Massachusetts: Improving Health Care and Public Health Report (2009) identifies four areas in which Departments of Public Health and partner organizations can develop a sustainable CHW program: infrastructure, professional identity, workforce development, and financing. The report includes recommendations in each area and a fact … [Read more...] about A Summary of State Community Health Worker Laws
Addressing Chronic Disease through Community Health Workers: A Policy and Systems-Level Approach. A Policy Brief on Community Health Workers
This document provides guidance and resources for implementing recommendations to integrate community health workers (CHWs) into community-based efforts to prevent chronic disease. After providing general information on CHWs in the United States, it sets forth evidence demonstrating the value and impact of CHWs in preventing and managing a variety of chronic diseases, including … [Read more...] about Addressing Chronic Disease through Community Health Workers: A Policy and Systems-Level Approach. A Policy Brief on Community Health Workers