Today's ambulatory care providers face numerous challenges as they try to practice efficient, patient-centered medicine. This article explains how community health workers (CHWs) can be engaged to address many patient- and system-related barriers currently experienced in ambulatory care practices. Community health workers are frontline public health workers who serve as a … [Read more...] about Community health workers “101” for primary care providers and other stakeholders in health care systems.
Prevention
A Summary of State Community Health Worker Laws
The Community Health Workers in Massachusetts: Improving Health Care and Public Health Report (2009) identifies four areas in which Departments of Public Health and partner organizations can develop a sustainable CHW program: infrastructure, professional identity, workforce development, and financing. The report includes recommendations in each area and a fact … [Read more...] about A Summary of State Community Health Worker Laws
Addressing Chronic Disease through Community Health Workers: A Policy and Systems-Level Approach. A Policy Brief on Community Health Workers
This document provides guidance and resources for implementing recommendations to integrate community health workers (CHWs) into community-based efforts to prevent chronic disease. After providing general information on CHWs in the United States, it sets forth evidence demonstrating the value and impact of CHWs in preventing and managing a variety of chronic diseases, including … [Read more...] about Addressing Chronic Disease through Community Health Workers: A Policy and Systems-Level Approach. A Policy Brief on Community Health Workers
The Community Health Worker’s Sourcebook: A Training Manual for Preventing Heart Disease and Stroke
Community health workers (CHWs) can play a critical role in promoting healthy living by educating community members about heart disease and stroke prevention and by helping people understand the importance of health care self-management, especially in underserved communities throughout the United States. The Community Health Worker’s Sourcebook: A Training Manual for … [Read more...] about The Community Health Worker’s Sourcebook: A Training Manual for Preventing Heart Disease and Stroke
Handbook for Enhancing Community Health Worker Programs: Guidance for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (Part 1)
This handbook contains a synthesis of the most current information available for developing and managing effective community health worker programs. A description of key components of effective community health worker programs is provided, along with action templates to develop tools for applying what is learned. Upon completing this manual, the reader will build skills in … [Read more...] about Handbook for Enhancing Community Health Worker Programs: Guidance for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (Part 1)

