CHW Training and Education Curricula to Address Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors for Diverse Audiences

The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is disproportionately high in African Americans, Latinos, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders. To address health disparities in the prevention and control of CVD risk factors and to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) developed cardiovascular health curricula to reach and engage four major racial/ethnic groups that would be delivered by trained community health workers (CHWs). NHBLI's CHW training and education curricula are science-based, health-needs focused, culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate. Several implementation projects are currently underway utilizing these curricula. The implementation process includes using multiple strategies to reach community residents, partnership development, and defining evaluation measures. Key to the success of the program is the CHW, who has been shown to help decrease health care costs, increase access to adequate health care and health information, and strengthen the family, the community, and the local economy. The purpose of this presentation is to: (1) describe the development and implementation of unique CVD training and education curricula developed for four racial/ethnic populations, (2) share selected activities from the curricula such as dramatizations, problem solving situations, nutrition/food displays, and evaluation tips; and (3) describe outcomes and lessons learned from the implementation of programs using the curricula in diverse audiences. Results suggest that integrating CHWs into community or clinical settings using the CVD curriculum is a promising strategy for culturally competent and effective service delivery. In addition, positive changes in participant knowledge, behaviors, and clinical values will be described.