There are many approaches to integrating a CHW into your care model depending on your current resources, needs and program goals. To ensure that a CHW is a good fit for your organization, you will want to develop:
- Needs assessment (identify gaps that can be met by a CHW)
- Sustainability plan that includes:
- Financing
- Credentialing
- Evaluation
Check out the State of Minnesota CHW Tool Kit (PDF) for useful information and tools to introduce, organize and support CHW services. The Rural Assistance Center offers an online toolkit to help to evaluate opportunities for developing a CHW program and provides resources and best practices developed by successful CHW programs.
For helpful perspectives on CHW benefits and best practices, see:
- Experiences of CHW Employers in Minnesota: A review of CHW utilization, lessons learned, and future outlook from select organizations employing CHWs in Minnesota (PDF). Wilder Research Center, November 2015
- Consult the Alliance for advice and technical assistance on introducing CHW strategies. And join our free Supervisor Roundtable to connect with those who manage CHWs in clinics, nonprofits, and other organizations to field questions, share experience and obtain resources here on the Alliance website.
