The AHA and National Urban League today released a compendium of resources to help hospitals and health systems implement successful and sustainable community health worker programs. CHWs serve many roles, including health educator, patient navigator and advocate, and case manager. CHW programs allow hospitals and health systems to address the needs of high-risk or at-risk populations, the social determinants of health, readmissions and emergency department over usage — leading to better patient experiences, improved health and increased affordability. Among other resources, the compendium includes program implementation considerations; sample job tools and templates used by CHWs; and case studies from organizations that have implemented successful CHW programs. These resources were produced through a strategic alliance between AHA and NUL to advance diversity and health equity initiatives supported by both organizations. Learn more about AHA strategic alliances here.

Related News Articles

Chairperson's File
In today’s episode, I talk with Lynn Todman, vice president of health equity and community partnerships at Corewell Health. Our discussion focuses on the many…
Headline
Women with health-related social needs such as food insecurity, housing instability and lack of transportation were less likely to report receiving a mammogram…
Headline
Chicago-based RUSH University Medical Center launched its Community Health Workers Hub in 2018 to provide CHWs with the support they need to help combat health…
#HealthCareInnovation Blog
Community health workers have become an essential component of RUSH University Medical Center’s efforts to minimize inequities in health and life expectancy.…
Headline
Hear from three experts who believe that expanding and integrating the talent pool of community health workers into America's hospitals and health systems…
Headline
President and CEO John Chessare, M.D., shares how GBMC HealthCare began investing in its Baltimore community by specifically focusing on social determinants of…