The Community Health Worker Model for Cardiovascular Kidney Metabolic Syndrome: A New Paradigm for High Value Care

Authors: Sanjay Rajagopalan, Jeshurun Adarquah-Yiadom, Fonda Mcclain, John Pastor Ansah, Heidi Osborne, Kimberly Nicholson, Zoe Landskroner, Kyia Mountain, Elke Eaton, Jodi Porges, Rita Horvitz, Ian Neeland, Peter Pronovost, Robert Brook, Jackson Wright, Sadeer Al-Kindi, Philip Levy

Many low-income and minority communities struggle to access and follow prevention and treatment programs for conditions like cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic diseases (CKM). Community health workers (CHWs) can help bridge this gap by providing education, outreach, and support. New Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement models could improve funding for CHW services, but barriers remain. This review examines the role of CHWs in CKM care, their impact, financial challenges, and potential solutions to ensure their long-term integration into healthcare systems.