This study tested a program where Community Health Workers (CHWs) helped low-income and minority employees at a university connect to support services like food, housing, and financial help. Only 10% of employees used the service, but most said it met their needs and they would recommend it. A third also made healthy lifestyle changes. The results suggest CHWs can help … [Read more...] about Employment–based community health workers: A model for meeting health–related social needs in the workplace
North America (U.S. and Canada)
The importance of role and setting in health system social determinants of health screening results
This study looked at how different healthcare workers screen patients for social needs at Henry Ford Health in Detroit. In 2023, over one million screenings were done, mostly by Medical Assistants (MAs), but they found fewer needs compared to Community Health Workers (CHWs), case managers, and paramedics, who identified more issues even though they did fewer screenings. CHWs … [Read more...] about The importance of role and setting in health system social determinants of health screening results
Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a health–related social needs screening and referral intervention in the Bronx
This study explored how Community Health Workers (CHWs) help connect patients with social support services and what factors affect the success of these referrals. Interviews with CHWs, healthcare staff, and program leaders showed that referrals work best when providers clearly explain the CHW role to patients and when CHWs are well integrated into care teams. Key barriers … [Read more...] about Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a health–related social needs screening and referral intervention in the Bronx
Beyond the Manuscript: “Carrying the weight of a broken system”: Community Health Worker and Peer Recovery Specialist roles transformed
This podcast episode from Progress in Community Health Partnerships features a conversation with the authors of the article "Carrying the Weight of a Broken System," which looks at how the roles of Community Health Workers and Peer Recovery Specialists are changing. The guests—Arryn Guy, Anthony Thigpen, and Jon Soske—talk with Editor-in-Chief Hal Strelnick about their work in … [Read more...] about Beyond the Manuscript: “Carrying the weight of a broken system”: Community Health Worker and Peer Recovery Specialist roles transformed
Virta Intervention in CommuniTies in cOloRado Pilot Study (VICTOR-Pilot), to Improve Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk in Rural Communities Primary Results
This study tested whether adding a digital care program to a community health worker (CHW) program could better help people in rural areas manage type 2 diabetes. Adults with diabetes were split into two groups: one got CHW support only, and the other got CHW support plus digital care. After 3 months, both groups showed a big drop in blood sugar levels, but there was no major … [Read more...] about Virta Intervention in CommuniTies in cOloRado Pilot Study (VICTOR-Pilot), to Improve Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk in Rural Communities Primary Results