Evaluation

Frontline heroes: Leveraging community health workers as first responders for climate-related digital mental health support

After severe floods in Pakistan disrupted health services and increased mental health needs, a digital program called mPareshan trained community health workers to provide app-based counseling for anxiety and depression. Despite the crisis and shortage of mental health professionals, these workers continued supporting affected communities using the mobile tool. The project … [Read more...] about Frontline heroes: Leveraging community health workers as first responders for climate-related digital mental health support

The Lunch and Learn program in Maryland supports community health workers (CHWs) through virtual education and peer connection. Launched in 2023, it offered twice-monthly online sessions with expert talks, Q&A, and peer-support time. Over the first year, participation grew, and CHWs reported that the program helped both their learning and well-being. This approach shows … [Read more...] about Supporting the Community’s Health Advocates: Initial Insights into the Implementation of a Dual-Purpose Educational and Supportive Group for Community Health Workers

This study tested a mental health program, Strong Minds, delivered by community health workers to Spanish-speaking Latine immigrants in the U.S. Participants who completed the 10-session program showed improvements in depression and anxiety. People with more severe symptoms were more likely to finish the program. The results suggest CHWs can effectively deliver mental health … [Read more...] about Effectiveness of a Community Health Worker-Delivered Depression Intervention for Uninsured Latine Immigrants

This study evaluated HealthStart, a program where youth volunteers coach older adults after health screenings to improve follow-up and healthy behaviors. Among 192 participants, follow-up with primary care providers doubled from 43% to 85%, and 66% met their health goals. Participants were satisfied with the program, and interviews showed that support, goal-setting, and digital … [Read more...] about Impact of Youth Community Health Volunteers on Community Health Screening Program Outcomes for Older Adults: Mixed Methods Evaluation Study

This study looked at whether female community health volunteers in rural Nepal can advise people about high cholesterol. At first, the volunteers were interested but lacked knowledge and confidence. After training, their understanding and confidence improved, but gaps remained. Heavy workload, limited time, and low incentives made it hard for them to take on this role. The … [Read more...] about Understanding community health workers’ readiness to provide hyperlipidemia-related self-management support in rural Nepal: a biphasic mixed-methods evaluation