The Power of Community Health Workers: Building a More Equitable Healthcare System

🌍Community health workers have been a 300-year-old workforce that has played a vital role in advancing the healthcare industry.

💪Success in building an effective community health workforce lies in strategic planning, hiring the right people, and providing ongoing training and support.

⏱️Technology-enabled workflows and supervision are essential in empowering community health workers and ensuring their success.

🔄The impact of community health workers goes beyond immediate interventions, as their support leads to lasting effects on health outcomes.

💰Various payers, such as the US Department of Veterans Affairs and State Medicaid programs, have recognized the value of the impact model and incorporated it into their healthcare systems.

What is the role of community health workers in the healthcare system?

—Community health workers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between healthcare providers and underserved communities. They provide direct support, education, and guidance to individuals, promoting health equity and improving health outcomes.

How can we ensure the success of community health workers?

—Ensuring the success of community health workers requires strategic planning, hiring individuals from within the communities they serve, providing ongoing training and support, implementing technology-enabled workflows, and empowering patients to take control of their health.

Do the effects of community health workers persist over time?

—Yes, the effects of community health workers often persist beyond the immediate intervention period. By addressing the underlying social determinants of health and empowering individuals to make lasting changes, community health workers create sustainable improvements in health outcomes.

Are payers recognizing the value of community health workers?

—Yes, various payers, including the US Department of Veterans Affairs and State Medicaid programs, have recognized the value of community health workers and have incorporated the impact model into their healthcare systems. This recognition highlights the positive impact and cost savings generated by community health workers.

How can the impact model be implemented in different healthcare settings?

—The impact model can be implemented in different healthcare settings by tailoring it to specific community needs. This involves collaborating with stakeholders, developing strategic plans, hiring and training the right individuals, implementing technology-enabled workflows, and continuously evaluating and improving the program.

00:02Community health workers are a 300-year-old workforce that plays a crucial role in building a more equitable healthcare system in America.

03:35The success of community health workers lies in strategic planning, hiring the right people, and providing ongoing training and support.

05:00Technology-enabled workflows and supervision are essential in empowering community health workers and ensuring their success.

07:25The impact of community health workers goes beyond immediate interventions, as their support leads to lasting effects on health outcomes.

09:28The impact model has gained recognition from various payers, such as the US Department of Veterans Affairs and State Medicaid programs.