Why the U.S. needs more community health workers
Community health workers are hidden heroes of our complex health care system. Sometimes called promotores de salud, outreach workers, navigators, or peer counselors, they tie together the often-disconnected services people need to support good health.
They increase a patient’s likelihood of getting much-needed primary care, while decreasing the odds of that person being rehospitalized after a hospital stay.
They improve care outcomes and help avoid unneeded health care spending while improving patients’ overall mental health and well-being.
At Kaiser Permanente, we’re excited to bring their services to more members and patients, and to be working with the Common Health Coalition to help other health care organizations do the same.
The role of community health workers
Often employed by community-based organizations and public health departments, community health workers link people to health care services. But perhaps more importantly, they connect people to resources that can help meet their basic social health needs.
(Click the link for more)
https://about.kaiserpermanente.org/news/why-the-us-needs-more-community-health-workers
