During the COVID-19 pandemic, a team tested using drones to deliver personal protective equipment (PPE) to remote Appalachian areas. Community health workers educated participants on PPE use, and drones delivered supplies to 10 clients. Most participants found the process easy, and mask-wearing increased from 60% to 90%. Participants rated PPE as effective in preventing … [Read more...] about Exploratory Pilot Study Engages Community Health Workers to Test Drone-Based Package Delivery System for Personal Protective Equipment in High-Risk Appalachia Population
United States of America
Integration of Community Health Workers into Palliative Care Teams: A Scoping Review
This review looked at how community health workers (CHWs) can support palliative care in the U.S., especially in rural areas. From 24 studies, it found that CHWs helped improve advanced care planning, eased patient symptoms, and increased hospice use through home and phone visits. CHWs provided education, advocacy, and social support, with stakeholders recognizing their value … [Read more...] about Integration of Community Health Workers into Palliative Care Teams: A Scoping Review
The Power of Promotoras
Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing population in the U.S., yet they face significant health inequities due to social challenges like limited healthcare access. Community health workers (CHWs), or promotoras in Hispanic communities, play a vital role in improving health outcomes by offering support, education, and care coordination. They have proven effective in … [Read more...] about The Power of Promotoras
Community Health Workers: Catalysts for a Reimagined Health System
The Common Health Challenge is an annual event where members and partners come together to focus on improving the health system. The 2024 Challenge highlights the role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in connecting healthcare, public health, and community organizations. By integrating CHWs, we can make progress in health equity, strengthen communities, and achieve better … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers: Catalysts for a Reimagined Health System
Structural supports and challenges for community health worker models: Lessons from the COVID-19 response in Orange County, California
During the COVID-19 pandemic, community health workers (CHWs) played a vital role in supporting vulnerable communities and reducing health inequities. Interviews with policymakers in Orange County, California, revealed that while CHWs were recognized as essential, they often lacked adequate support. Key recommendations include fair pay, reduced administrative hurdles, … [Read more...] about Structural supports and challenges for community health worker models: Lessons from the COVID-19 response in Orange County, California