CHW National Library

An article from Public Health Nursing. Reviews the databased literature on CHW effectiveness (increasing access to care, especially in underserved populations). Finds that the CHW role can be doomed by overly high expectations, lack of a clear focus, and lack of documentation. Recommends further research into CHW activities and target populations.

An article from the American Journal of Public Health. Provides a general overview of the integral role of CHW in the health care work force. Topics include: contributions of CHW in the U.S., characteristics of successful CHW programs, barriers to expanded use of CHW, and recommendations for strengthening and expanding use of CHW.

An e-learning program focused on cultural competence from the US Department of Health and Human Services. The target audience is promotores de salud.

A sub-section of a Rural Tobacco Control and Prevention Toolkit from the Rural Health Information Hub. Offers case examples of rural community health worker-led tobacco cessation programs.

The Penn Center for Community Health Workers applies the IMPaCT model of care. This model utilizes CHWs to provide tailored support for helping high-risk patients in achieving their personalized health goals. IMPaCT CHWs are defined as working with patients and healthcare providers directly to set an achievable health goal for the patient. The CHW is responsible for creating tailored roadmaps for success with each high-risk patient.

The Oregon Community Health Worker Association was founded in 2011 for the continued development of the CHW profession. Its mission is to provide a unified voice of empowerment and advocacy for Community Health Workers and Oregon’s communities. The ORCHWA recognizes CHWs as professional individuals working together for community health justice and equality.

The Ohio Community Health Worker Association was established in an effort to eliminate health disparities for Ohioans through the CHW model of care. Its mission is to establish and support CHWs as a profession that is an integral part in the healthcare and human services system.

The New Mexico Community Health Worker Association was founded as a means to bridge the gap in healthcare access through CHWs. Its mission is to nurture CHWs and their care model in an effort to improve access and quality of healthcare for New Mexicans. It serves as an advocacy platform, empowering CHWs and offering a network of support.

The Nebraska Community Health Worker Association was founded in January of 2014 in an effort to provide CHWs with recognition for their work throughout Nebraska. The mission of this association is to use CHWs to increase patient access to appropriate medical care and lower overall medical costs. CHWs are outlined as liaisons that bridge the gap between the underserved population and clinicians and ultimately improving health outcomes.

The Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance is a statewide organization promoting equitable health outcomes for all communities in Minnesota through the use of CHWs. Its mission is to build community and systems capacity for better health through the integration of CHWs into the greater healthcare system. The MCHWA hopes to achieve better healthcare services at lower costs through the use of CHWs.