Community Health Workers: A Review of Program Evolution, Evidence on Effectiveness and Value, and Status of Workforce Development in New England

A draft report by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review. Evidence review and policy analysis in support of the New England Comparative Effectiveness Public Advisory Council. Goals of the review include 1) documentation of the evolution of CHW programs in New England and nationally, 2) summary of evidence on CHW program impact on health outcomes and costs, and identification of program components that led to success, 3) examination of potential budgetary impact of implementing CHW programs, and 4) listing of best practices in CHW implementation.

Policy Evidence Assessment Report: Community Health Worker Policy Components

An assessment report by the CDC that is intended to inform about the strengths and limitations of evidence bases for individual components of chronic disease policy interventions. This particular report examines 14 CHW policy components, some of which are elements of successful CHW programs, so as to direct policy development.

Addressing Chronic Disease through Community Health Workers: A Policy and Systems-Level Approach

A CDC Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention-published policy brief. Provides guidance and resources for integrating CHW into community-based efforts to prevent chronic disease. Provides general information on CHW in the U.S., then details the value and impact of CHW in preventing and managing a variety of chronic diseases, including heart disease and stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Provides descriptions of CHW chronic disease programs, examples of state legislative action, recommendations of policies for building an integrated and sustainable CHW workforce, and resources that can assist state health departments in working with CHW.