PHI news
This article compared community health workers (CHWs) in Indiana and Texas based on the results of two research studies in order to 1) investigate the unique role of CHWs and their Spanish-speaking counterparts, promotores de salud, in rural communities and 2) understand how their advocacy efforts represent a central form of caregiving. An analysis was done of how CHWs connect structurally vulnerable clients in rural areas to resources, health education, and health and social services. CHWs and promotores de salud have acted as first responders to the needs of marginalized rural populations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to health education and translation work, CHWs also play an important role in advocacy, bridging the gap between clients and community leaders. While informing clients of available resources, they empower the clients to advocate for their own needs in different settings. CHWs also have the ability to engage with stakeholders and policy makers in better addressing client needs.
Resource Details
- Population: Black or African American|Hispanic, Latino, or Latinx|People Experiencing Homelessness|People Living in Rural Areas
- Geographic Areas of Implementation: Rural
- Setting/Context of Implementation: Community
- Topics of Practice: Contact Tracing|Outreach/ Education/ Communications|Policy Change/ Development
- Outcomes of Interest: Advancing Racial Equity|Improve Organizational Infrastructure|Partnership Building|Reduction of Health Disparities
- Level of Evidence: Promising
- Tools or Materials Included in Resource: No
- Social Determinants of Health: Healthcare Access and Quality
- Outside of US: No