Agnes W. Hinton, DrPH, RD¹, Paul W. Philpot, MS¹, and Romelia Rodriguez, CHW². (1) Center for Sustainable Health Outreach, University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive #10015, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, (601) 266-6709, paul.philpot@usm.edu, (2) Community Health Worker Network of NYC, Hunter College, 425 East 25th Street, Suite 720, New York, NY 10010

2004 CHW-SPIG Scientific Session Abstract

Background: The Center for Sustainable Health Outreach (CSHO) has developed the “Community Access to Care Community Health Worker Inventory Project.” It is comprised of three components: an annotated bibliography focusing on program evaluation methods; a collection of program evaluation methodologies and instruments; and, a database describing each program, its purpose and structure.

Benefits: The database will be available online. CHWs and others can search by common health issues, organizational structure of CHW programs, service delivery models, evaluation methods, demographics or geographic focus. The database and the collection of instruments and articles can also serve to identify areas for future research. The research has involved staff of federal agencies, community health organizations, and national advisory committee members, including CHWs.

Value: Participants will learn how the Inventory Project was created, and see a preview of what has been produced. CHWs will also learn about reimbursement and sustainability strategies, as well as career and education opportunities.

Presentation: The session will provide the following: an overview of the project, its purpose, status of the research and expected outcomes; discussion of data collection efforts - the database describes the work of CHWs by program site and worker characteristics; job titles; roles and services provided; compensation and benefits; training requirements; training materials and methods; retention rates; client recruitment methods; populations served; educational and experiential requirements for certification; funding sources; and program evaluation tools and methods; and, discussion of the study’s preliminary results. Romelia Rodriguez, a CHW in New York, will co-present.

Learning Objectives:

• Upon completion of the session, participants will recognize the components of the Community Access to Care CHW Inventory Project, will enhance their awareness of its benefits, will discern how to access the data, and will be able to describe and/or discuss the tools that have been produced.

Keywords: Training, Evaluation

Related Web page: www.usm.edu/csho

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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 with CSHO; project funded by grant from W.K. Kellogg Fnd.