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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Sahru Sahdiid Keiser, BA, Health Education Department, San Francisco State University, 492 45th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121, 415-933-8952, sahru@yahoo.com

This project adds to the growing body of knowledge expanding the recognition of CHWs as an essential part of the healthcare system. The purpose of this project was to study current and future employment opportunities for Community Health Workers (CHWs) in four counties of the Bay Area. CHWs are community members who provide health-related services to primarily low-income, ethnically diverse communities. The study solicited the participation of employers of CHWs in San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda and Contra Costa counties. A stratified random sample was developed from hospitals, educational institutions, national organizations, community clinics, public health departments, community-based organizations and health maintenance organizations, resulting in a sample of 248 organizations. Each organization was contacted to determine if 1) they employed CHWs and 2) they were available to participate in an online survey. Of the 248 organizations contacted, 134 stated that they employed CHWs, and were emailed the survey. The results showed that 2/3 of organizations who responded to the survey employed CHWs, and that overall there is growth for CHW positions in all sectors, primarily health departments, community-based organizations and community clinics. The data profiled a CHW as a women (65%) of color (69%) with either a high school degree (32%) or a bachelors degree (26%), making less then $35,000 (63%) and receiving health benefits (93%). Lastly, although there are few structured opportunities for career advancement, education and on-going training can play a large role in the hiring and advancement of CHWs.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Identify key characteristics of Community Health Workers (CHWs) employed in the Bay Area.
• Discuss employment trends for CHWs in the Bay Area.
• List potential educational and training opportunities for the advancement of CHWs employed in the Bay Area.
• Identify three employment barriers for employers of CHWs in the Bay Area.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation