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
Health disparities
Towards Health Justice: Implementing Structural Competency in Women’s Healthcare Education Towards Health Justice
Health disparities in women’s health, particularly among marginalized groups, persist due to structural factors like discrimination, lack of access to care, and socioeconomic inequities. This study reviews how structural competence, which trains healthcare providers to recognize these systemic issues, can address health inequalities. Key findings include the role of community … [Read more...] about Towards Health Justice: Implementing Structural Competency in Women’s Healthcare Education Towards Health Justice
Mechanisms for Community Health Worker Action on Patient-, Institutional-, and Community-Level Barriers to Primary Care in a Safety-Net Setting
This study sought to determine how barriers emerging at various levels impact CHWs in primary care settings. Researchers conducted focus groups with 25 patients and 17 CHWs. Participants reported that CHWs addressed patient-level barriers through social support and empowerment. Additionally, participants stated that CHWs used communication, advocacy for fair treatment, and … [Read more...] about Mechanisms for Community Health Worker Action on Patient-, Institutional-, and Community-Level Barriers to Primary Care in a Safety-Net Setting
Creating information resources and trainings for farmworker-serving community health workers
Migrant farm workers face significant health disparities, yet the CHWs that serve them are often faced with limited access to health research, education, and training. Through focus group discussions with CHWs, the researchers of this study compiled a resource list of educational materials for farmworker health and videos to increase CHWs’ skills in finding health information … [Read more...] about Creating information resources and trainings for farmworker-serving community health workers
