Supporting & Scaling the CHW/P/R Workforce in California
Community health workers, promotors and representatives (CHW/P/Rs) play a crucial role in addressing health equity in communities across California, but this critical workforce has long lacked the support and investment to integrate them sustainably into health care systems. We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Amplifying Impact Initiative, designed to support and enhance CHW/P/R Medi-Cal providers of the CHW Medi-Cal benefit and California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) programs.
Over the course of 18 months, Amplifying Impact will connect 28 CHW/P/R Medi-Cal providers to grants, technical assistance, and tactical tools for meaningfully and sustainably scaling the CHW/P/R workforce across California. Participants will advance goals that are focused on providing culturally responsive health and social needs services while also connecting CHW/P/Rs to high-quality jobs that support them to thrive.
Funded by California Health Care Foundation and Cedars-Sinai, and led in partnership with health equity non-profit Health Leads, this initiative will offer a range of live and recorded learning opportunities, promising practices, and impact stories to help advance the work of all individuals and organizations invested in the success of CHW/P/Rs - in California and beyond.
Upcoming Webinar: CalAIM Renewal Explained
California is about to embark on their 1115 waiver renewal process. This process, which generally takes place every five years, requires approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
In our upcoming webinar on September 18th, Melora Simon, an Associate Director at the California Health Care Foundation, will unpack what the renewal means for providers, community health workers, and the communities they serve. In a panel discussion, three community-based organizations will explore how CalAIM is advancing health equity, hear what improvements are still needed, and consider strategies for sustaining programs amid budget constraints.
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of CalAIM’s direction as well as practical insights for navigating the road ahead.
“With CHWs as partners, consumers are more likely to develop trusting relationships with their care teams, and become more engaged in their care — that helps us get to better health outcomes, both for the consumers and the system.”
— Nancy Halloran, former Deputy Director of Alameda County Care Connect & participant in the Alameda Capacity-Building Collaborative
CHW/P/R Impact Stories
The San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium (SFCCC), an Amplifying Impact Initiative grantee, seeks to improve the health of low-income San Franciscans through the training, support, and expanded use of Community Health Worker/Promotoras (CHW/Ps). Their CHW/P program helps community clinics integrate CHW/Ps where they are most effective within their communities and provides the support CHW/Ps need to thrive in their roles.
In The Heart of Care: Community Health Workers, SFCCC demonstrates the vital impact CHW/Ps have in our healthcare system and communities, especially in community health centers, by providing culturally appropriate care, ensuring access to quality services and promoting dignity and humanity. Check out The Heart of Care to learn more about the vital role CHW/Ps play in uplifting health, equity, and well-being.
Tools & Resources
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California Advancing & Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM)
Collection of tools and resources aimed at helping organizations understand and implement CalAIM.
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Expanding the CHW/P/R Workforce in California
Overviews of opportunities for the state’s CHW/P/R workforce and best practices in training and support.
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CHW/P/R Statewide Grassroots Coalition
Information from the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network emerging policies, practices and proposals.
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The Children's Partnership Resource Hub
Resources to support CHW/P/Rs and organizations looking to work with CHW/P/Rs more effectively.
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CHW Financial Sustainability Toolkit
Exercises, tools and approaches to address complex CHW workforce financial sustainability challenges.
Participating Organizations
Numbers represent initiative participants, many of which are active in multiple regions.
18 Reasons
Asian Americans for Community Involvement
Advantist Health
Aliados Health
AltaMed
Bay Area Community Services
Conejo Health
Bridge Center
Family Healthcare Network
LA Center for Strategic Partnerships/ El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center
Fresno Center
El Sol / Latino Health Access
Harbor Community Health Centers
Fresno Community Health Improvement Partnership
Heluna Health
Homeless Prenatal Program
Santa Barbara Foundation
Salud Para la Gente
San Diego Wellness Collaborative
Sonoma Community Action Network
San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium
Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Education Program
Transitions Clinic Network UCSF
United American Indian Involvement
USC Street Medicine
WellSpace Health
Vision y Compromiso
Keep in Touch
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Interested in learning more about this project?
Or have a resource you’d recommend for CHW/P/Rs?
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