Community Health Workers (CHWs) serve a vital function, connecting patients, healthcare providers, and community resources, in both clinical and community-based settings. They are an important asset to healthcare organizations because they are trusted members of the communities they serve, building trust among populations who stand to benefit the most from increased access to care.
Implementing a CHW Program can benefit everyone. A growing body of research has shown that a CHW Program can help reduce health disparities for people with or at risk for chronic health conditions, improve health outcomes and access, promote better patient experience with a relationship-building approach, and decrease overall per capita costs (reduction in ER visits, hospital admissions, and missed healthcare appointments).
CHWs promote trust and build relationships in their communities to expand access to care in communities throughout Idaho. To learn more about implementing or enhancing a CHW Program in your organizations, please review the resources below.
Idaho-Specific Reports
The Value of CHWs
Idaho State University's Community Health Worker (CHW) Training Academy provides the knowledge and skills necessary to build and strengthen CHWs. The Academy offers several different programs:
- CHW Core Training Program
- CHW Advanced Training
- CHW Apprentice Training
- CHW Supervisor Training
Contact the Academy at chw@isu.edu or (208) 282-2729.
