Community health workers help bridge the gap between their communities and health care and social services. They provide culturally responsive care, improve access to services and address social drivers of health — including food insecurity, housing instability and transportation barriers. They extend the reach of health care teams by offering follow-up, education and support beyond clinical settings.
In Kansas, CHWs are especially critical in rural areas, where geographic isolation, provider shortages and chronic diseases are more pronounced.
Since 2011, Kansas has made significant strides in building a strong, sustainable CHW workforce. Though considerable progress has been made, continued efforts are necessary to support, sustain and scale CHWs in our state.
The Health Fund recently convened partners from across the state to plan for CHW sustainability. This report discusses what areas were identified as critical to sustaining CHWs in Kansas, as well as recommendations for action.
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