Commentary: A Community Organizing Model for Advancing CHW Workforce Sustainability.

Abstract

Community health workers (CHWs) play a vital role in advancing health equity, improving health outcomes, and addressing the social determinants of health. However, funding for CHW positions and supportive policy infrastructure to sustain a thriving CHW workforce remain elusive. This commentary provides a definition of CHW workforce sustainability and an overview of how a CHW-led national training and technical assistance center used a community organizing framework to build the capacity of CHWs and their allies to advance local sustainability efforts. The model includes four key objectives: (1) grow CHW leadership and policy capacity, (2) build strong relationships and partnerships, (3) establish supportive systems and policies, and (4) implement diverse financing mechanisms. It also offers a conceptual model to illustrate the steps CHWs can take to lead local efforts to advance CHW workforce sustainability.