CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

North America (U.S. and Canada)

Considerations for building sustainable community health worker programs to improve maternal health

Despite growing evidence of the efficacy of CHW programs to achieve universal health coverage, limited short-term program funding in the US constrains the sustainability of these programs. Renee Mehra and colleagues examined factors contributing to sustainability of CHW programs targeting maternal health. They identified three key themes influencing program sustainability: … [Read more...] about Considerations for building sustainable community health worker programs to improve maternal health

Beyond the Rhetoric of Equity: Will the Frontline Healthcare Workers Who Serve the Poor Be Prioritized for the COVID Vaccine?

An international coalition of organizations representing 80 countries set an aggressive goal of making 2 billion Covid-19 vaccinations available by the end of 2021. Populations prioritized to receive vaccination include high risk and vulnerable persons and frontline healthcare workers. The definition of “frontline healthcare worker”, however, remains ambiguous and is likely to … [Read more...] about Beyond the Rhetoric of Equity: Will the Frontline Healthcare Workers Who Serve the Poor Be Prioritized for the COVID Vaccine?

Cost-effective care coordination for people with dementia at home

The Maximizing Independence (MIND) at Home program was developed to enable persons with dementia to receive comprehensive, home-based care. This program relies on a team of community health workers in collaboration geriatric psychiatrists and registered nurses specialized in dementia care. In response to pilot studies demonstrating success of this program in improving quality … [Read more...] about Cost-effective care coordination for people with dementia at home

A qualitative study of social connectedness and its relationship to community health programs in rural Chiapas, Mexico

Having social connections acts as a buffer against poor health and well-being. CHWs provide communities with an opportunity to strengthen social connectedness by living and working in the same locality. Rachel Deitz surveyed three towns in Chiapas, Mexico to understand local perspectives on the social benefits of a CHW-enhanced community clinic. Results of interviews indicated … [Read more...] about A qualitative study of social connectedness and its relationship to community health programs in rural Chiapas, Mexico

Implementation costs of a community health worker delivered weight loss intervention in black churches serving underserved communities

Black communities experience higher rates of obesity than others, increasing risk for diabetes and other weight-related health conditions. Karen Kim Yeary and colleagues assessed the cost of implementing a CHW-led Diabetes Prevention Program adapted for rural black communities. Participants across 31 churches received a 16-session weight loss information over a six month … [Read more...] about Implementation costs of a community health worker delivered weight loss intervention in black churches serving underserved communities