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Sustaining Communities and Community Health Workers: Lessons Learned From Community Health Workers' Experience During
Alexandra Coritsidis1, Guedy Arniella, Timnit Berhane
1Author Affiliations: Departments of Environmental Medicine and Climate Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York (Dr Coritsidis); Department of Community Health, Harlem Family Medicine Residency Training Program, Institute for Family Health, New York, New York (Ms Arniella); Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Institute for Health Equity Research, New York, New York (Ms Berhane, Dr Madden); Institute for Family Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Institute for Health Equity Research, New York, New York (Ms Ruiz); Departments of Population Health Science and Policy, Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Institute for Health Equity Research, New York, New York (Dr Vangeepuram); and Departments of Environmental Medicine and Climate Science, Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York (Dr Oliver).
Community health workers need mental health support, better compensation, and career growth opportunities to sustain engagement. Addressing these needs can enhance their well-being and community health impact.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Equity
- Community Health Workers
Background:
- Community health workers (CHWs) were vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing health information gaps and disparities.
- The pandemic highlighted existing challenges and inequities faced by CHWs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore community health workers' perspectives on sustaining work engagement.
- To identify key factors influencing CHW retention and job satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Conducted four focus groups with 21 community health workers in New York City.
- Utilized deductive coding to analyze qualitative data and identify emergent themes.
Main Results:
- CHWs expressed a need for accessible mental health support.
- Participants desired increased acknowledgment of their value, specifically through improved compensation.
- A strong desire for continuous training and clear job growth pathways was evident.
Conclusions:
- Implementing supportive workplace policies addressing mental health, compensation, and professional development is crucial.
- These interventions can improve CHW well-being, job satisfaction, and ultimately, community health outcomes.
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