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
North America (U.S. and Canada)
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
Self-confidence as a driver of community impact: Outcomes of the Community Genetic Navigation Engagement Specialist (CoGENES) train-the-trainer program
Colorectal cancer affects Hispanic/Latino communities more than others, partly due to low awareness and limited access to information. To help address this, a training program called CoGENES was created to teach community health workers (CHWs) about cancer prevention and genetic testing. The program was taught in Spanish and English and included three phases: training 12 CHWs, … [Read more...] about Self-confidence as a driver of community impact: Outcomes of the Community Genetic Navigation Engagement Specialist (CoGENES) train-the-trainer program
Community Health Workers: Bridge to Pediatric Mental Health Equity
Youth mental health in the U.S. is in crisis, with many children facing emotional challenges made worse by social issues like poverty, discrimination, trauma, and lack of support. These problems, known as social determinants of mental health, affect how kids grow, learn, and live. The COVID-19 pandemic made things worse by increasing stress, loneliness, and fear. Children … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers: Bridge to Pediatric Mental Health Equity
Effects of a Standardized Community Health Worker Intervention on Health Care Utilization Within an Integrated Delivery System
This study looked at how a Community Health Worker (CHW) program called IMPaCT affected hospital use and primary care visits among low-income adults in Portland, Oregon. People in the program worked with CHWs for three months to set health goals and get support, mostly over the phone due to COVID-19. Compared to those receiving usual care, patients in the program spent less … [Read more...] about Effects of a Standardized Community Health Worker Intervention on Health Care Utilization Within an Integrated Delivery System