Community health workers (CHWs) help improve children’s health by connecting families to services, providing support, and coordinating care. With Medicaid funding, health systems can create sustainable programs that include CHWs to improve access and address workforce gaps. This brief shares examples of successful CHW models and highlights how Medicaid can play a key role in … [Read more...] about Promoting Healthy Foundations: Medicaid Opportunities to Support Community Health Workers in Child Health Care
CHW
People Versus Product: Conditions for Success for Community Health Workers as Sustainable Members of the Public Health Workforce
This study looked at community health workers’ (CHWs) experiences during COVID-19 response efforts in Orange County, California. CHWs said their ability to connect with communities was valued, but their behind-the-scenes work often went unrecognized, and low pay and limited support made their jobs harder. They emphasized the need for fair compensation and proper recognition to … [Read more...] about People Versus Product: Conditions for Success for Community Health Workers as Sustainable Members of the Public Health Workforce
Exploring community health workers’ perspectives on recommending influenza vaccination to older adults: a phenomenological study
This study looked at how community health workers (CHWs) in Shanghai encourage older adults to get the flu vaccine. While most were willing to recommend the vaccine, many were cautious and focused on avoiding blame or harming their reputation. Their actions were shaped by personal beliefs, community expectations, their own skills, and lessons from COVID-19. The study suggests … [Read more...] about Exploring community health workers’ perspectives on recommending influenza vaccination to older adults: a phenomenological study
Imagining the work of community health workers: notes for a discussion on territory, health and care
This essay reflects on how place (territory), health, and care are connected by looking at the work of community health agents. It explores how health services are organized, how care is often medicalized, and how CHWs help manage cultural meanings in health care. The authors argue that both territory and care are dynamic and shaped by social relationships, not just medical … [Read more...] about Imagining the work of community health workers: notes for a discussion on territory, health and care
Worker Organizing in Health Care: Professionalization as a Stage for Collective Voice
This study looks at how community health workers in the U.S. became recognized as a profession. By working together, building networks, and using policy changes, they gained professional status. While this brought new opportunities, it also created limits on how they could work. The study shows that professionalization can also be a way for workers to organize and gain more say … [Read more...] about Worker Organizing in Health Care: Professionalization as a Stage for Collective Voice
