Expanding Role of Community Health Workers (CHWs): Bridging the Gap in Healthcare Access

by Jon Scaccia August 30, 2023

Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in global health initiatives. Their significant contribution to tackling public health issues, especially in underserved communities, is invaluable. As they continue to evolve and expand their role in the healthcare sector, CHWs have become indispensable agents in fostering holistic well-being across diverse sociocultural contexts.

A recent systematic review titled “Mobilizing Community Health Workers to Address Mental Health Disparities for Underserved Populations” by Barnett et al., sheds light on the pivotal role CHWs have in delivering evidence-based mental health interventions [1]. According to this study, most trials showed a considerable reduction in symptoms following CHW-delivered interventions. These findings emphasize the potential of training and mobilizing CHWs as effective channels for providing mental health services to those in need.

Another study by Barnett et al. highlighted the significant impact CHWs have on reducing the stigma and discrimination experienced by marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ youth of color [2]. With proper training in cultural relevance and sensitivity toward clients’ demographic backgrounds, CHWs can contribute to inclusivity within healthcare services. This underscores the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the unique challenges faced by these communities.

In addition, some studies have pointed out the crucial role CHWs play in navigating systemic barriers underserved communities face when accessing healthcare. For instance, Chávez et al. discuss how undocumented families often turn to trusted resources like community health clinics, where they encounter CHWs, due to a lack of insurance and financial strain [3].

Evolving CHW roles

The evolving role of CHWs goes far beyond their traditional functions of providing primary care services or disseminating public health information. Today’s community health workers have multiple responsibilities—they act as navigators through intricate healthcare systems, educators spreading awareness about culturally relevant services, facilitators bridging gaps left open by socioeconomic imbalances, and advocates for marginalized populations facing discrimination in society.

Ways to Assess CHW Competencies

We’ve been working on tools to assess the competencies and tasks that CHWs engage. These categories from the Dawn Chorus’s work with WE in the World. This is an early draft of an assessment we hope to deploy in the next month is a state implementing comprehensive CHW work.

Mental and/or Physical Health

• Conduct outreach to individuals with mental health or substance abuse disorders who are not currently receiving treatment
• Provide education and support to individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease
• Assist individuals with navigating the healthcare system and accessing needed services
• Conduct home visits to monitor medication adherence and provide support for self-management

Social and/or Spiritual Well-Being

• Connect individuals with community resources such as food banks, housing assistance, and transportation services
• Provide education and support around healthy lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity and healthy eating
• Facilitate support groups for individuals with common health concerns or life experiences
• Conduct outreach to isolated or vulnerable populations to provide social support and connection

Community Health and Well-Being

• Conduct community needs assessments to identify health priorities and gaps in services
• Facilitate community-based interventions such as health fairs, screenings, and educational events
• Advocate for policy and environmental changes that support health and well-being
• Build partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders to promote collaboration and coordination of services

Communities of Solution

• Facilitate community visioning and planning processes to identify shared goals and priorities
• Build and maintain partnerships with diverse stakeholders to support community-wide health and well-being
• Leverage community assets and resources to address health disparities and promote equity
• Advocate for policy and system changes that support community health and well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evolution of CHWs from mere ‘health workers’ serving communities to multi-faceted agents addressing diverse aspects of holistic wellbeing underscores the importance of their work. Recognizing and appreciating their expanding role will ensure that we can fully harness the potential of these frontline heroes in contributing significantly to the creation of healthier populations across various socio-cultural contexts.

References:

1. Barnett ML et al., Mobilizing Community Health Workers to Address Mental Health Disparities for Underserved Populations: A Systematic Review.
2. Barnett ML et al., Understanding needs for a parent-focused adaptation….
3. Chávez TA et al., Young adult undocumented Latinos/as navigate U.S- based….