Authors: E Lee Rosenthal, Paige Menking, Durrell J Fox, Floribella Redondo-Martinez, Lily K Lee, Julie St John
The community health worker (CHW) field in the U.S. has grown significantly, especially in the past 15 years. While this growth has brought more recognition and funding, it has also introduced challenges, such as attempts by various agencies to redefine CHW roles without proper input from CHWs themselves. This commentary stresses the importance of CHWs maintaining control over their professional identity and standards, warning that external interference could weaken the progress made in unifying and sustaining the CHW workforce. The authors call for government agencies and organizations to consistently recognize and use established CHW definitions and competencies, involve CHWs in decision-making processes, and support their self-determination to ensure the continued success and impact of the CHW profession.
Link: Commentary: Sustaining Community Health Workers-The Importance of Professional Self-Governance and Self-Determination
Resource Topic: CHW Motivation, CHW programs, professionalization
Resource Type: Commentary
Year: 2024
Region:
Country: United States of America
Publisher May Restrict Access: Yes