Generational Perspectives and Advocacy Barriers Among Community Health Workers: Implications for Public Health Workforce Leadership

Authors: Venus Gines, Joanna Rodriguez, Diana Lobaina, Mariarebecca Torres, Lea Sacca, Maria Carmenza Mejia

This study explored how age and experience affect the work of community health workers (CHWs) in Texas. Younger CHWs were more focused on mentorship, while older CHWs prioritized policy advocacy. Lack of funding was the top challenge, and newer CHWs reported more barriers and discrimination. Job satisfaction increased with age, highlighting the need for strategies that support CHWs at different stages of their careers to improve retention and strengthen the public health workforce.