The field of community health work has known years of isolation and misunderstanding that have served as barriers to the development of a cohesive network of Community Health Workers (CHWs). In Massachusetts, CHWs have struggled to form networks that, in many cases, have been focused in a specific geographic area or on a health topic. Recognizing the value of a statewide CHW network, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), at its Ounce of Prevention Conference in March 2000, provided an opportunity for CHWs to gather, to identify issues of concern, and to begin the formation of a statewide network. Seventy-five CHWs from across many disciplines and areas of the state joined together to take the first steps towards unification and organization. Through this examination, the CHWs made recommendations and identified next steps. One recommendation was to identify a CHW Steering Committee that would take the lead in organizing the network. This Steering Committee, along with other CHWs and CHW allies, has met monthly, has developed an agenda and has formed subcommittees to address policy concerns, CHW training, and strategic planning. The network is now called the Massachusetts Community Health Worker (MACHW) Network. Logistical support for ongoing networking meetings is provided through a federally funded Maternal and Child Health Bureau Community Integrated Service System (CISS) Grant, awarded to the MDPH.
Learning Objectives: It is anticipated that workshop participants will be able to: 1. Articulate new ideas for organizing CHWs. 2. Identify the issues Massachusetts CHWs have specified as primary concerns. 3. Recognize barriers and identify strategies for overcoming and/or addressing barriers to full CHW participation in a statewide Network. 4. Apply to their own work a renewed enthusiasm for the intrinsic value CHWs bring to the health care delivery system.
Keywords: Community Outreach, Public Health Movements
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Massachusetts Community Health Worker (MACHW) Network and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Bureau of Family and Community Health
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Member of the MACHW Network