A recent study from Bowling Green State University underscores the transformative role of Community Health Workers in improving maternal and child health outcomes. This research highlights how CHWs serve as vital links between healthcare systems and under-resourced communities, helping mothers access care, navigate complex systems, and achieve better health outcomes for themselves and their children.
At PCHI, the findings from this study reaffirm what we’ve long known: CHWs are essential to achieving health equity in communities. As a cornerstone of the PCHI Model, CHWs connect individuals to vital services, address health and social care needs, and build trust within the communities they serve.
The BGSU study emphasizes that CHWs, often drawn from the same neighborhoods and cultural backgrounds as the families they support, are uniquely positioned to provide culturally relevant care and education. For mothers, this can mean timely access to prenatal care, support with breastfeeding and parenting, and resources to address housing or food insecurity. These are the very pathways that CHWs work to open and close through the PCHI Model, ensuring families receive the services they need to succeed.
The findings from BGSU, along with the work of Pathways Community HUBs, highlight the critical role of CHWs in transforming healthcare access and outcomes. Empowering CHWs and strengthening their integration within healthcare systems creates meaningful change that benefits families and communities alike.
At PCHI, we remain committed to advancing health equity by supporting CHWs and their vital work. Together, we can ensure every mother and family has the opportunity to thrive.
To read more about the study: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/heq.2024.0038
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