This report discusses a partnership between social workers (SWs) and community health workers (CHWs) to address social determinants of health (SDoH) for high-risk patients in an urban safety-net hospital system. CHWs, who share experiences and understanding with the communities they serve, bridge health, social, and community systems. While CHWs have shown effectiveness in … [Read more...] about Integrating Community Health Workers into Hospital Systems Through a Social Work Partnership: A Report from the Field
United States of America
Assessing Brigada Digital de Salud Audience Reach and Engagement A Digital Community Health Worker Model to Address COVID-19 Misinformation in Spanish on Social Media
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Spanish-speaking communities in the U.S. faced a lack of timely and culturally appropriate information. To bridge this gap, Brigada Digital de Salud utilized social media to share tailored COVID-19 content. Trained community health workers posted educational content on vaccination, infection risks, and scientific concepts, aiming to engage, inform, … [Read more...] about Assessing Brigada Digital de Salud Audience Reach and Engagement A Digital Community Health Worker Model to Address COVID-19 Misinformation in Spanish on Social Media
Adapting Community Health Worker Care Models to Advance Mental Health Services Among LGBTQ Youth
LGBTQ, Black, Latinx, Native American and Asian American youth (referred to as youth of color) face significant mental health disparities due to barriers in accessing care, including stigma and discrimination. Community Health Worker (CHW) models have potential to address these disparities. A qualitative study in Massachusetts and California explored adaptations needed for CHW … [Read more...] about Adapting Community Health Worker Care Models to Advance Mental Health Services Among LGBTQ Youth
Addressing Training Gaps: A Competency-Based, Telehealth Training Initiative for Community Health Workers
Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in connecting communities with health services. Despite their crucial role, there is a lack of structured CHW training. The CHW Core Consensus Project (CCCP) identified three CHW categories with specific competencies. This study focused on Category 1 CHWs, emphasizing community outreach and advocacy. Using telehealth, bilingual … [Read more...] about Addressing Training Gaps: A Competency-Based, Telehealth Training Initiative for Community Health Workers
Community Health Workers Deliver Mental Health Intervention to Uninsured Latinx in Baltimore: Evaluation and Lessons Learned in a Pilot Program
The study evaluated Strong Minds, an adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention delivered by community health workers (CHWs) in Spanish to uninsured Latinx immigrants with mild-moderate depression. Preliminary findings suggest feasibility and potential benefits in reducing depressive symptoms. However, CHWs require specific training and support for mental health … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers Deliver Mental Health Intervention to Uninsured Latinx in Baltimore: Evaluation and Lessons Learned in a Pilot Program