A6.01 - Oral Session: CHWs and Their Role in Achieving Health Equity

Brief Abstract Summary: Discover the important role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in advancing health equity, with an emphasis on the impact of culturally-specific care. Our session will present a case study that illustrates how a community member facing significant barriers to healthcare access was supported by a CHW, and the outcomes of the engagement.

Attendees will gain insights into our unique approach to health promotion via relational CHW work. We will outline effective workflows, as well as highlight the balance between structure and flexibility required to navigate complex cases.

Key takeaways from the session include understanding the role of CHWs in addressing health disparities and promoting health equity in communities facing significant barriers; and innovative yet practical strategies for CHWs, including needs assessment, resource utilization, relationship building, and culturally-specific care to improve healthcare access for community members and promoting overall health.

Detailed abstract description: This presentation dives into the important role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in health promotion and advancing health equity. Together, we will explore a case study that illustrates the ways in which a CHW supported a community member who faced significant barriers to healthcare access, and the outcomes of the engagement. The session will detail the initial and ongoing needs assessment, the strategies and resources used to address these needs, and how these interventions ultimately led to the participant's access to health services. Attendees will learn the practical application of CHW principles, with an emphasis on the impact of culturally-specific care.
This session will outline Familias en Acción’s unique and effective intake workflow, which focuses on collecting personal information and performing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) assessments. We will also cover the application of motivational interviewing, the elements of participant consent, and the vital importance of relationship building in CHW practice. We will utilize popular education techniques, like collaborative learning and group brainstorming, to encourage audience engagement, enabling attendees to share experiences and learn from one another.
The session will also highlight the balance between structured workflows and the flexibility CHWs require to effectively navigate complex cases as they work towards health justice. Attendees will gain insight into our approach to CHW work, focusing on relating, communicating, slowing down, transparency, participant-prioritized goals, and collaboration. This approach goes beyond purely procedural, and instead creates a person-centered model for community health work. Our focus on engagement and partnership distinguishes our method from more traditional practices and highlights the role of CHWs as health educators and health promoters.

Key takeaways from the session include:
1. Understanding the role of CHWs in addressing health disparities and promoting health equity in communities facing significant barriers;
2. Innovative yet practical strategies for CHWs, including needs assessment, resource utilization, relationship building, and culturally-specific care to improve healthcare access for community members and promoting overall health.