Cardiovascular Health
- Cardiovascular Health Home
- CVH Data and Trends
- CVH Programs & Resources
- Minnesota 2035 Plan
- Minnesota Stroke Program
- About Us
Learn More
Related Topics
Contact Info
Cardiovascular Health Program
Role of Community Health Workers in Team-Based Care
According to the American Public Health Association, a community health worker (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who has a close understanding of the community served and is a trusted liaison, and link between health care, social services and the community. The CDC recommends that CHWs serve on healthcare teams to help eliminate racial and ethnic disparities.
As part of a care team, CHWs can:
- Facilitate access to services
- Improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery
- Increase patient health knowledge and self-sufficiency
- Perform outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy
Resources
- CDC Community Health Worker Resources
- Community Health Worker Solutions
- Community Health Works
- Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance
- Addressing Chronic Disease through Community Health Workers: A Policy and Systems-Level Approach (PDF)
- Community Health Workers “101” for Providers and Other Stakeholders (PDF)
- Community Health Workers: Part of the Solution
- Experiences of Community Health Worker Employers in Minnesota: A review of CHW utilization, lessons learned, and future outlook from select organizations employing CHWs in Minnesota (PDF)
To learn more about the role and education of CHWs, please visit MDH's Emerging Professions page.
Role of CHWs in managing high blood pressure and diabetes
- Promote, encourage, and support positive, healthful self-management behaviors
- Help people get the services and follow-up care they need to control their condition
- Strengthen their community’s understanding and acceptance of medical care
Resources
- A Community Health Worker Training Resource for Preventing Heart Disease and Stroke
- Knowledge and Behavioral Effects in Cardiovascular Health: Community Health Worker Health Disparities Initiative, 2007–2010
- Community Health Workers in Diabetes Management and Prevention (PDF)
- Cost-Effectiveness of Nurse Practitioner/Community Health Worker Care to Reduce Cardiovascular Health Disparities (PDF)
- Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Control: Interventions Engaging Community Health Workers