Utilizing community health workers for evidence-based interventions in inkster, Michigan

Nationally, the Community Health Worker's (CHW) role is vast and extends too many areas within the healthcare system. The CHW can provide varying levels of health promotion and empowerment through community based organizations, including mediation, social support, health education, advocacy, direct services and culturally significant connections. Using community based organizations, training CHW's to implement evidenced –based programs takes into account community culture, dynamics and trust; while influencing behavioral and environmental changes that affect health disparities at a grassroots level. CHW's prove effective in addressing the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) within a community by developing and speaking to local policies, social norms and current health practices. The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan worked with its Inkster Partnership for a Healthier Community (IPHC) coalition partners to develop unique ways to expand the concept of the CHW. This diverse list of community stakeholders range from community activist groups, African American sororities, Faith-based organizations, community based clinics and residents; all serving the city of Inkster, Michigan. These varying organizations have committed to develop the CHW concept within their respective organizations training individuals to implement evidence-based programming, address policy and increase social connectedness within Inkster. Members train to provide health literacy mentoring and other programs such as Bodyworks Inc, the National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), EnhanceFitness and The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP). This model acknowledges that health promotion and empowerment not only rests on the shoulders of individuals and the health care system but also those serving the community as a whole.