Abstract

Processes for implementing community health worker workforce development initiatives

Sharada Shantharam, MPH1, Colleen Barbero, PhD2, Theresa Mason, Ph.D.3, Meredith Sugarman, MPH4, Carl Rush, MRP5, Aunima Bhuiya, BSc6, Refilwe Moeti, MPH2 and Ashley Wennerstrom, PhD, MPH7
(1)ASRT, Inc., Smyrna, GA, (2)Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, (3)Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, (4)Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, (5)National Association of Community Health Workers, San Antonio, TX, (6)Toronto, ON, Canada, (7)New Orleans, LA

APHA's 2020 VIRTUAL Annual Meeting and Expo (Oct. 24 - 28)

In 2017-2019, experts in community health worker (CHW) workforce development led by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) completed a project to examine processes for implementing statewide CHW workforce development initiatives. The team first engaged stakeholders to develop a conceptual model and complete a case study illustrating statewide CHW initiative processes. Researchers then developed process narratives for all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico using peer-reviewed and grey literature and information available in October 2019 from the web and CDC chronic disease program activity and budget reports. Narratives were reviewed for actors, events, contextual factors, and outputs associated with the model.

The analysis found that statewide processes for implementing CHW workforce development initiatives included: CHW inclusion in health system change efforts; CHW organizing; developing evidence; establishing infrastructure; identifying and creating training opportunities for CHWs and employers; recognizing CHWs; and assessing changes in the CHW workforce and employers. Key actors in processes included statewide CHW organizations (in 30 states) and coalitions (in 45 states).

This presentation will share project findings and discuss implications for state and national efforts to measure CHW initiative and program outcomes, highlighting opportunities for strengthening the evidence base and increasing the sustainability of the CHW workforce.

Chronic disease management and prevention Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs Public health administration or related administration Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines Systems thinking models (conceptual and theoretical models), applications related to public health