Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #110207

Agnes W. Hinton, DrPH, RD and Paul W. Philpot, MS. Center for Sustainable Health Outreach, The University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive #10015, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001, (601) 266-6709, paul.philpot@usm.edu

Background: In 2003, the Center for Sustainable Health Outreach (CSHO) began compiling data for a national study of community health worker (CHW) programs. One goal was to identify 100% of the CHW program sites in all 50 states and U.S. territories and collect data describing their operation. This process will produce a database allowing users to study similarities and differences between programs, including evaluation methodologies and tools. The study is supported by public and private sources.

Project Benefits: CSHO will provide access to the database via the Internet, making program information available via an online search process. This valuable research tool will allow users to retrieve information about each program's location, mission, organizational structure, target population, service delivery model, and evaluation efforts. It should also facilitate additional research. Recognition of the project's importance has resulted in CSHO's collaboration with other studies, such as the Community Health Workers National Workforce Study.

Value: Audience members will participate in an interactive tour of the database. They will view its applications through a demonstration. They will learn about the database, its uses, and how it serves their need for reliable data on CHW program evaluation and its benefits.

Presentation: The session provides CHWs and non-CHWs with access to the database and new knowledge. Participants will come away with: an understanding of project output; practical ideas for using the information; an overview of the data collection effort; and insight into CHW program funding, training, and evaluation issues.

Learning Objectives:

• Session participants will gain knowledge concerning an online database of community health worker (CHW) programs and their evaluation. They will recognize features of CHW programs, be able to discuss evaluation methodologies currently in use in the field, and be able to apply their newly acquired skill to search the database. By the end of the session they will be able to put this knowledge into practice.

Keywords: Data Collection, Evaluation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commertial supporters WITH THE EXCEPTION OF employment with The University of Southern Mississippi. This project/position is funded by a private grant.