Community Health Workers Are Making a Difference in Improving Oral Healthcare Access
Ongoing disparities in oral health remain a significant public health concern.1 Community health workers (CHWs) play a key role in bridging the gap between healthcare systems and communities by using cultural insight and community collaboration.2
As healthcare systems recognize the value of community-based interventions, CHWs are significantly impacting oral health promotion. Through education, outreach, and care coordination, they address the underlying causes of health disparities and encourage lasting behavioral changes. However, their role is often limited by inconsistent training standards, ambiguous roles, and unstable funding.
Today, an estimated 58,550 CHWs practice in the United States , primarily in schools, community centers, and patient homes.3 A CHW is a frontline public health worker who connects people to health and social services; helps improve service delivery; and builds community capacity by providing outreach, education, support, and advocacy.4 CHWs serve as trusted liaisons between health systems and residents. CHWs do not need to come from healthcare backgrounds, but rather close ties with their communities make them especially effective. They provide culturally appropriate health education, support, care coordination, and advocacy.
* References and figures can be found in the original article via the link above.
Responses