Evaluating the impact of a community health worker training program.

Abstract

Background: The Atlanta Region Community Health Workforce Advancement (ARCHWAy) program is designed to train and empower Community Health Workers (CHWs) by centering marginalized voices and integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. Through a combination of online and in person didactic training, and experiential learning, the program prepares CHWs to address social determinants of health (SDOH) and advocate for health equity.

Methods: This program evaluation examined the program's impact on participants' knowledge skills, and competencies. Feedback from course evaluations and encounter logs highlighted the program's effectiveness in equipping CHWs with practical tools to support individuals facing mental health crises, chronic disease management challenges, and barriers to healthcare access.

Results: Participants rated the in-person and online didactic curriculum 4.5 or higher on a scale of 1-5. Experiential learning had a positive impact on their abilities to provide services such as individual and community assessment and education, and care coordination and to address the SDOH. Participants reported that they learned how to navigate systems, build trust, and empower individuals to advocate for their own health and well-being.

Discussion: Findings suggested that ARCHWAy successfully fostered critical skills and strengthened the CHW workforce, reinforcing the importance of experiential learning and community-centered training. Participants expressed a strong sense of preparedness and commitment to their roles, emphasizing the need for sustained investment in CHW development, including long-term support and recognition. While challenges remain in securing sustainable funding and measuring long-term community health outcomes, the evaluation demonstrated the impact of one CHW training program.