Engagement: Cohort 2015
Challenge: Create a statewide network of community-based health workers (to act as liaisons between their communities and health and social service agencies and providers.
Project Results: Rhode Island implemented a Certification for Community Health Workers (CHWs).
Outcome: There are now 232 CHWs working across the state. For example, the Home Asthma Response Program utilizes CHWs for home visits to asthma patients, reporting a 62% decrease in missed work days for caregivers and a 50% decrease in missed school days for students.
The Rhode Island team credits the Center with having a “foundational role” in the job analysis process, outlining the training domains, and determining standards for the CHW role.