This study looked at a new statewide model in Indiana that puts community health workers (CHWs) at the center of efforts to reduce health disparities and strengthen public health. Through focus groups across nine districts, CHWs and community partners proposed solutions like improving health literacy, expanding transportation, increasing access to care, and offering preventive … [Read more...] about Incorporating community-engaged research into a statewide community health worker-driven infrastructure for addressing health disparities in public health emergency
Implementing a Community Health Worker Model to Address Health-Related Social Needs in a Community Pharmacy Network: A Pragmatic Evaluation
This study tested a program in New York where pharmacy staff were trained as community health workers to screen for social needs like food, housing, and transportation, and connect patients to support. Out of more than 1,000 people screened, nearly half of referrals were successfully resolved. The program also proved cost-effective, saving far more than it cost to run. The … [Read more...] about Implementing a Community Health Worker Model to Address Health-Related Social Needs in a Community Pharmacy Network: A Pragmatic Evaluation
Equity-Centered Development of a Community Health Worker Intervention to Improve Engagement in Care for ADHD
This study developed and tested a new program called START (SupporT for ADHD and Related Treatment), where community health workers support families of children recently diagnosed with ADHD. Eighteen families participated, and most reported high satisfaction, saying START made them more open to using medication, therapy, or school services. Families also showed increased … [Read more...] about Equity-Centered Development of a Community Health Worker Intervention to Improve Engagement in Care for ADHD
People Versus Product: Conditions for Success for Community Health Workers as Sustainable Members of the Public Health Workforce
This study looked at community health workers’ (CHWs) experiences during COVID-19 response efforts in Orange County, California. CHWs said their ability to connect with communities was valued, but their behind-the-scenes work often went unrecognized, and low pay and limited support made their jobs harder. They emphasized the need for fair compensation and proper recognition to … [Read more...] about People Versus Product: Conditions for Success for Community Health Workers as Sustainable Members of the Public Health Workforce
Supporting community health workers in South Africa for context-specific food and nutrition literacy: implementation of a multi-media education-entertainment intervention
This study tested whether comics and short video clips shared through mobile platforms could improve food and nutrition knowledge among community health workers in South Africa. After six months, participants showed better skills in meal preparation, planning, and overall nutrition literacy. The results suggest that multimedia education can be a useful tool to strengthen CHWs’ … [Read more...] about Supporting community health workers in South Africa for context-specific food and nutrition literacy: implementation of a multi-media education-entertainment intervention