This study looked at whether it’s affordable for Medicaid to pay for community doulas, trained support workers who help during pregnancy, birth, and after delivery. Researchers compared healthcare costs for patients with and without doula support through a program called Best Beginnings for Babies. They found that people with doulas had lower medical costs and better outcomes, … [Read more...] about Return-on-Investment Analysis of an Enhanced Community Doula Program: Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Considerations
United States of America
Perceptions and Experiences of Uninsured Latinx Adult Participants in a Community Health Worker-Delivered Intervention to Address Depression
This study looked at how Latinx immigrants felt after joining a 10-session mental health program led by a community health worker. The sessions used simple therapy and mindfulness techniques to help with depression and anxiety. Many participants joined because they were feeling desperate. After the program, they said they felt better about themselves and appreciated the support … [Read more...] about Perceptions and Experiences of Uninsured Latinx Adult Participants in a Community Health Worker-Delivered Intervention to Address Depression
Role of Community Health Workers in Preventing Adverse Outcomes in Pregnant Individuals Living in Underserved Communities in the United States
This article talks about how community health workers (CHWs) can help improve pregnancy outcomes, especially for people living in underserved areas in the U.S. CHWs are trusted members of the community who help with things like health education, support, and connecting people to care. In rural and low-income areas, pregnant people often face worse health outcomes. While CHWs … [Read more...] about Role of Community Health Workers in Preventing Adverse Outcomes in Pregnant Individuals Living in Underserved Communities in the United States
Understanding Available Data Sources to Estimate the Size and Distribution of Community Health Workers in the United States
This study looked at national data to estimate how many Community Health Workers (CHWs) are in the U.S. and how they are spread across states. It used three data sources, which gave different numbers, ranging from 7 to 35 CHWs per 100,000 people. The study also checked if states with CHW certification or payment programs had more CHWs but found no clear difference. More … [Read more...] about Understanding Available Data Sources to Estimate the Size and Distribution of Community Health Workers in the United States
Effectiveness of a breast cancer screening program among non-adherent women in Puerto Rico: A community-based participatory research effort of the Puerto Rico CEAL Community Outreach and Engagement Group
Breast cancer is a major health issue for women in Puerto Rico. This study tested whether community health workers (CHWs) could help more women get breast cancer screenings. From December 2023 to June 2024, women aged 50–74 who were overdue for a mammogram were given either information about cancer screening or general health advice. CHWs followed up to see if the women … [Read more...] about Effectiveness of a breast cancer screening program among non-adherent women in Puerto Rico: A community-based participatory research effort of the Puerto Rico CEAL Community Outreach and Engagement Group