Integrating CHWs

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    1. Virtual Toolbox

    2. Integrating CHWs into the Healthcare System

      As healthcare systems seek to improve health outcomes and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations, many are utilizing community health workers (CHWs). Successfully integrating CHWs into a care system requires thoughtful planning, leadership, organizational readiness, and an inclusive culture. MACHW has curated best practices, guidelines, and recommendations to support your organization’s success.
          • Making the Case for Integrating CHWs into Care Teams
          • Planning Basics
          • Fostering Effective Leadership
          • Recommendations from Successful Programs

        • Integrating CHWs into Municipal Government

          Communities increasingly understand that housing quality, education, nutrition, and employment are interconnected with health. CHWs are uniquely able to build trust with community members to deepen understanding of how these social factors work in their community. They can work alongside their neighbors to identify community-based solutions and connect people with health organizations. The recent COVID–19 pandemic showed how CHWs can serve a powerful role to bridge critical gaps between municipal leaders and residents – to protect and advance the public’s health .

        • Planning & Designing CHW Programs

          Effective practices for planning and implementing CHW programs have been outlined in case studies about successful efforts in New York City and Minnesota. Additionally, many international efforts to promote community health have verified the value of CHWs.
          • Core Considerations for Establishing a Successful CHW Program
          • Determining the Return on Investment for Your CHW Program
          • Maximizing the Benefits of Technology in Your CHW Program
            (Combine guidance for Electronic Health Records and Mobile Technology)

        • Staffing Up

          Building a successful CHW program requires intentional and thoughtful decision-making, based on lessons learned and already established practices from the field. Clear understanding of the roles and scope of practice for CHWs is critical for a CHW, their supervisor, and all of the health professionals who collaborate with the CHW. We offer these tools and resources for both new and existing programs to help streamline program success.
          • Establishing Roles and Job Descriptions for CHWs
          • Recruiting and Hiring CHWs
          • Onboarding CHWs with Initial Training
          • Ensuring Supportive Supervision
            Through supportive supervision, a healthcare system can foster a healthy and safe work climate for CHWs through collaborative problem-solving, offering compassion for the emotional intensity of the work, and providing opportunities for CHWs to improve their professional skills.
            • Fundamental Roles of CHW Supervisors
            • Effective Strategies for CHW Supervision
            • Key Considerations for Fostering Peak Performance of CHWs