The COVID-19 pandemic has renewed focus on community-led health efforts, with states increasingly partnering with community health workers (CHWs) to support underserved communities. Evidence shows CHWs improve access to care and health outcomes while reducing disparities, driving state policies to strengthen and fund their roles. NASHP’s Community Health Worker Learning … [Read more...] about State Approaches to Community Health Worker Financing through Medicaid State Plan Amendments
CHW programs
Lessons for Advancing and Sustaining State Community Health Worker Partnerships
As states work to strengthen public health systems and address healthcare workforce shortages, many are focusing on community health workers (CHWs) to improve health and equity. A recent 50-state review by NASHP highlights how states are supporting CHWs, particularly through Medicaid funding. Insights from surveys, interviews, and a roundtable discussion at the 2021 NASHP … [Read more...] about Lessons for Advancing and Sustaining State Community Health Worker Partnerships
Readiness to deliver quality curative care for under-five children at health posts in Ethiopia
This study assessed the readiness of health posts in Ethiopia to provide quality care for children under five. Many lacked electricity, communication tools, and essential infection prevention supplies. While most health extension workers (HEWs) were trained, access to key medicines and equipment was limited. Readiness varied across regions, highlighting the need for better … [Read more...] about Readiness to deliver quality curative care for under-five children at health posts in Ethiopia
The impact of the Lesotho health reform in the re-structuring of the village health workers program
This study examined how health reforms in Lesotho improved the Village Health Worker (VHW) program. Key changes included clearer roles, better monitoring, and performance-based payments. These reforms boosted VHW performance, strengthened community health links, and increased service use. The findings highlight that proper support and incentives help VHWs fulfill their vital … [Read more...] about The impact of the Lesotho health reform in the re-structuring of the village health workers program
Comparing apples with apples: A proposed taxonomy for “Community Health Workers” and other front-line health workers for international comparisons
This paper introduces a clearer way to classify Community Health Workers (CHWs) and others involved in community health. It highlights how the term "CHW" is used for many different roles, leading to confusion and misapplication of policies. The authors propose a refined classification based on guidelines from the WHO and ILO to improve communication, policy-making, and health … [Read more...] about Comparing apples with apples: A proposed taxonomy for “Community Health Workers” and other front-line health workers for international comparisons
