Community Health Worker Research | Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance

Defining the Scope of CHWs

CHW National Workforce Study by Bita A. Kash of Texas A&M School of Public Health

In response to the community health workforce that developedfrom several factors such as cost challenges of providing service to an increasing and diverse population as well as a shortage of providers, the study sought to greater define the role of a CHW. Their method included a 27 month research project that surveyed and interviewed verified CHW employers in all fifty states;a comprehensive literature review, and estimates from the Census and U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau Statistics on the history of the workforce’s development, the training required, typical employers and employees; current trends, and more.

Read More Here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16569457

Efficacy of a CHW Collaborative

Developing Health Promotion Programming in Rural West Virginia by Nick Fadley of Future Generations and Dr Joy Buck of West Virginia University School of Nursing

This project sought to use the West Virginia Community Health Workers Network to collaborate with partner organizations in developing health education and promotion programs. It also served as a model to prove the efficacy of CHW networks in improving care to rural communities.

Read More Here: pdf to be attached

Value and Effectiveness of CHWs

New England An Action Guide on Community Health Workers (CHWs): Guidance for the CHW Workforce

As stated in the introduction, their investigation served as a way to guide persons considering becoming a community health worker. They pulled from the literature, interviews with stakeholders, survey results benchmarking the use of CHWs in New England, and public testimony in order provide evidence on the effectiveness and value of CHWs

Creating a CHW Collaborative

Massachusetts Community Health Worker Survey Report

According to the grant abstract, the purpose of this project was to “develop and implement a state wide CHW system that includes ongoing mechanisms for training, leadership and financing.” They did this through a CHW needs assessment, created CHW network activities that included broad participation, and providing other informational support. They then evaluated the effectiveness of the project and presented the outcomes. This resource may provide a very value blueprint in terms of creating a Tennessee CHW Network.