How public health social workers and schools of social work can be influential in sustaining CHWs and community alliances at a state level

Community health workers (CHWs) are an evidence-based key to delivering socially just health and human services. CHW models, which value community knowledge and skills, link systems and underserved populations by engaging community members through someone they trust. Public health social workers have the opportunity to promote and support CHW activities through the field's emphasis on policy change, community organization, and evaluation. As natural allies, CHWs and social workers can work together in coalitions to improve health and reduce health disparities. The University of Michigan School of Social Work (SSW) houses the Michigan Community Health Worker Alliance (MiCHWA), a multi-faceted, statewide coalition working to promote CHW sustainability and integration into health and human service programs. MiCHWA formed in 2011 following a statewide meeting of health system, academic, community organization, and CHW partners, supported by SSW's dean, faculty, staff, and students. Being hosted by an academic institution has provided infrastructure support and mutual capacity-building opportunities among MiCHWA partner organizations, faculty, and social work and public health students who maintain MiCHWA's steering committee, policy, education, communications, and CHW working groups. This relationship has also facilitated collaboration among academic researchers and community partners working with CHWs. Drawing from public health and social work research, MiCHWA employs community-based participatory research methods to unite stakeholders and support alliance activity. An evaluation unit housed at SSW provides ongoing evaluation planning and services vital to MiCHWA's sustainability. MiCHWA offers evidence of how social workers can be influential partners in sustaining CHWs and community alliances at a state level.