A recently published article in CMSA Today speaks to the important role of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in addressing issues of health inequities in underserved populations.
CHWs are often the boots-on-the-ground people having conversations with providers and community organizations to gather information to address issues such as availability of healthy food options, transportation challenges or technological limitations when accessing care. CHWs serve as the bridge between those who need the care and additional services and those who are able to provide the care and services.
“Community health workers are some of the most important people when it comes to addressing systemic issues of health inequity,” says Monica Dantzler-Thomas, MSN, MHA, RN, CCM, LNC, URAC’s Director of Care Management Programs. “CHWs see the issues as they are happening and have established relationships with the people and programs who can address those issues in real time.”
URAC’s Community Health Worker Program and Health Equity Accreditations are available to organizations that support community health while addressing issues of health inequity. URAC is proud to support and recognize organizations doing this valuable work.
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