Individuals at the greatest health risk are often those who are least likely to be appropriately served by the health care system. Because of language barriers, financial barriers, cultural beliefs, or mistrust of the system, many people do not receive health care and preventative services. The Center for Sustainable Health Outreach (CSHO) believes that community health workers are an important answer to these problems.
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are community members who educate and assist individuals and groups to gain greater control over their health and their lives. Equipped with information about local resources, CHWs promote healthy living, educate about how to prevent disease or injury, and help gain access to services in the formal health and human service systems. Although CHWs have emerged as a vital link between communities and health service providers, integration in the health care service delivery system is far from universal.
CSHO provides support and technical assistance to community health workers and community health worker programs in areas of program development and support; program funding and sustainability strategies; public policy development; strategic planning assistance; program evaluation; and career education and training. CSHO also assists CHWs and community health worker programs by facilitating partnership with funders, policy makers, health systems, and community organizations. CSHO serves as a national point of contact for community health workers and community health worker programs. We will discuss our strategic plan, which is based upon feedback from our advisory committee and meetings with CHWs and program staff from across the nation.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, participants (learners) should be able to: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Center for Sustainable Health Outreach in supporting community health workers (CHWs) 2. Understand the role of CHWs in sustainable community wellness.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Center for Sustainable Health Outreach
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment