Introduction

The College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University (ASU) recently secured a $3 million grant to provide specialized training for community health workers to better serve the needs of medically underserved communities. In this article, readers will learn more about the program and how it could benefit those that need it most.

What are Community Health Workers?

Community Health Workers (CHW) are employees of communities and organizations that provide support and coordination relating to health care services. They typically work with patients and their families, providing education on things like disease management and health promotion, as well as acting as intermediaries between other health care providers and patients.

How will the Program Benefit Medically Underserved Communities?

The grant that ASU has received will help to fund the program that will train and certify community health workers. These CHWs will be given the necessary skills and education in order to help those in medically underserved communities to better address their health needs. The program is aimed at equipping these CHWs with the necessary resources to be able to address the health needs of communities in an appropriate manner.

Conclusion

Having the resources to adequately serve medically underserved communities is a huge asset for any health care provider. The grant that ASU has received is helping to make this goal become a reality. With the proper training and certification, these CHWs can be a major benefit to underserved communities and help to bridge the gap between providers and those that need health care.

Source