We all know that Community Health Workers add significant value to community organizations and that their work constitutes a core activity in our effort to provide health care access to all residents, especially underserved populations. In line with the theme of this conference, Community Health Workers provide important health information and needed linkage to care and services to thousands of residents in neighborhood settings. However, despite the large number of Community Health Workers and their documented successes their working conditions continue to be dismal. The purpose of this open panel discussion will be to identify and create a national action plan for strengthening the field of Outreach Education. Community Health Workers, also known as Outreach Educators, are an emerging workforce within public health that currently lacks national standards of practice (e.g., the need for quality supervision, realistic salaries, etc.). The purpose of this discussion will be to exchange information on standards being used in various parts of the country either formally or informally and to produce a working draft of a national standard for Community Health Workers as vital contributors to Public Health. As a starting point for discussion, the Community Health Education Center (CHEC) will present policy recommendations for "Supporting and Enhancing the Work of Outreach Educators," recently approved and adopted by the Boston Public Health Commission in Massachusetts.
Learning Objectives: a) Participants will discuss issues impacting the work of Community Health Workers (e.g., salary requirements, supervision, etc.) b) Participants will discuss methodologies used for development of a Community Health Worker Advisory Board that facilitates policy initiatives. c) Participants will present methods for collaboration ensuring an inclusive process, involving other agencies and advocates for the field. d)Participants will learn of local initiatives and explore possible plans of action for strengthening the field of Outreach Education
Keywords: Community Outreach, Outreach Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Boston Public Health Commission: Community Health Education Center
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.