Community Health Workers

Authors: Ryan I. Logan, Margarita Hart, and Richard L. Strater

Community health workers (CHWs) are trusted caregivers from the communities they serve. They help fill health care gaps and support people beyond clinic walls. Despite their important role, CHWs often face challenges like low pay, safety concerns, discrimination, and lack of support. Anthropologists have studied these problems and offered ideas to improve CHWs’ working conditions. Future research should involve CHWs directly and use their insights to better understand and strengthen their work and impact.