Community health workers (CHWs) are trusted caregivers from the communities they serve. They help fill health care gaps and support people beyond clinic walls. Despite their important role, CHWs often face challenges like low pay, safety concerns, discrimination, and lack of support. Anthropologists have studied these problems and offered ideas to improve CHWs' working … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers
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Community Health Workers: Putting “Community” in the MaineHealth Vision
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are becoming an important part of the MaineHealth system. Their work is helping patients stay engaged in their care and improving health outcomes. Using data from 2024 and patient feedback, this illustration shows how CHWs are making a positive difference for patients, care teams, and local communities. … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers: Putting “Community” in the MaineHealth Vision
Are Economic Evaluations of Task Shifting Too Narrow in Focus? A Rapid Review
This study reviewed research from 2014 to 2024 on the costs and benefits of task shifting, where health tasks are moved from highly trained workers to others like community health workers, to help address staff shortages. While most studies looked at health costs and outcomes, many failed to consider other important effects like staff workload, access to care, waiting times, … [Read more...] about Are Economic Evaluations of Task Shifting Too Narrow in Focus? A Rapid Review
Solving area-based problems through intellectual empowerment: a model for developing village health volunteers’ and public health officials’ competencies in producing academic work
This study aimed to improve the ability of village health volunteers (VHVs) and public health officers in Thailand to create useful academic work that can help solve local health problems. A new model, called the 5Ps (Policy, Preparation, Practice, Publication, and Positive reinforcement), was developed and tested. After using the model, both VHVs and health officers showed … [Read more...] about Solving area-based problems through intellectual empowerment: a model for developing village health volunteers’ and public health officials’ competencies in producing academic work
Sustaining Communities and Community Health Workers: Lessons Learned From Community Health Workers’ Experience During the COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, community health workers (CHWs) were vital in sharing health information and helping communities. To understand how to keep them motivated, 21 CHWs in New York City took part in focus groups. They said they need better mental health support, fair pay that reflects their value, and ongoing training with chances to grow in their jobs. Supporting CHWs … [Read more...] about Sustaining Communities and Community Health Workers: Lessons Learned From Community Health Workers’ Experience During the COVID-19 Pandemic
