Community Health Worker-Led Community Clinical on the U.S. / Mexico Border: Lessons Learned

Authors: Abby M Lohr, Sophie S Alves, Kiera Coulter, Floribella Redondo-Martinez, Gloria Coronado, Cassalyn David, Cynthia Espinoza, Maia Ingram, Scott C Carvajal, Ada Wilkinson-Lee

In this study, researchers investigated how to conduct a CHW-led community-clinical linkage intervention. Community-clinical linkages, or CCLs, are mechanisms for connecting patients to community resources. Researchers conducted focus group discussions with six CHWs and CHW supervisors from three communities along the United States-Mexico border. Focus group participants reported that a CHW-led CCL intervention would benefit patients by allowing for better health management. Additionally, CHWs emphasized the need for support from peers, supervisors, management, and community members. Also, researchers found that CHW supervisors should receive more professional development and evaluation training. Overall, the results of this study provide methods for supporting CHWs so that they may better serve their community.