Community health workers (CHWs), doulas, and peer support specialists (PSSs) play a key role in improving health and reducing health gaps. Though they have worked in communities for years, Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) has recently started covering their services. This summary explains who they are, how their roles are similar or different, and what services they … [Read more...] about Understanding Community Health Workers/Promotores/Representatives, Doulas, and Peer Support Specialists in Medi-Cal
CHW Motivation
Comparing Three Medi-Cal Benefits: Community Health Workers, Doulas, and Peer Support Specialists
This document compares three Medi-Cal services that started in 2022 and 2023: community health workers (CHWs), doulas, and peer support specialists (PSS). It shows how their roles, services, and payment systems differ. CHWs include promotores and community health representatives who support Spanish-speaking and Native communities. The document focuses on core services covered … [Read more...] about Comparing Three Medi-Cal Benefits: Community Health Workers, Doulas, and Peer Support Specialists
Moving away from volunteerism in community health? Motivations and wellbeing among urban and rural Ethiopian volunteers
This study looks at how unpaid community health workers (mostly women) in Ethiopia continued to work without pay, even as the government claimed it was moving away from volunteer-based health programs. The research compares two groups—one in cities focused on HIV care, and one in rural areas focused on general health. It shows that both groups were still expected to work for … [Read more...] about Moving away from volunteerism in community health? Motivations and wellbeing among urban and rural Ethiopian volunteers
Dual Certification Of Community Health Workers And Certified Peer Support Specialists Can Better Address Syndemics
Public health crises like HIV, hepatitis C, and opioid overdoses often overlap, worsening health disparities, especially in marginalized communities. Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Peer Support Specialists (PSSs) play crucial roles in addressing these challenges—CHWs focus on health education and resource navigation, while PSSs provide support through lived experience in … [Read more...] about Dual Certification Of Community Health Workers And Certified Peer Support Specialists Can Better Address Syndemics
Community health worker payment processes: a qualitative assessment of experience in two Indian states
This study examined how community health workers (CHWs) in India are paid, focusing on the impact of digital tools and challenges in receiving timely wages. Researchers analyzed payment processes for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in two states, conducting interviews and focus groups with CHWs, supervisors, and health officials. Findings revealed delays in payment … [Read more...] about Community health worker payment processes: a qualitative assessment of experience in two Indian states