Community health workers (CHWs), also referred to as community health representatives, promotores, and peer navigators, are trusted health professionals who often share life experience with the people and communities they serve. CHWs perform a range of roles, such as health education, care coordination, and outreach to health care and social service providers.

Health systems, provider practices, and health plans are increasingly integrating CHWs into interdisciplinary teams to address health-related social needs in primary care and community settings. There is growing evidence on the impact of CHW programs for lowering acute care costs, increasing social connectedness and access to primary care services, and reducing health disparities.

Health care stakeholders can use this Evidence-to-Action Collection to understand the evidence behind CHW programs in primary care and community settings, as well as practical strategies to support effective implementation of these programs. Featured CHW programs focus on improving care for a range of populations with complex needs, including Medicaid enrollees, justice-involved individuals, people with behavioral health needs, and individuals with multiple chronic conditions.

Explore the Collection to learn about:

Evidence

Case Examples

Implementation Tools