Pilot Projects Advance Community Health Workers in Chicago Underserved Communities

Abstract

A strategic goal of the Institute of Medicine of Chicago (IOMC) is to advance the health of the underserved. In pursuit of that goal, in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and others, IOMC raised funds for one-year pilot projects for the training of Community Health Workers (CHWs). The four grantees were varied: a community college, a community organization, a non-profit health advocacy organization and a network organization of CHWs. The training programs drew CHWs from underserved communities and addressed 1) public policy advocacy, 2) mental health first aid, 3) pelvic health