The Impact of Integrating Community Advocacy Into Community Health Worker Roles on Health-Focused Organizations and Community Health Workers in Southern Arizona

J Ambul Care Manage. 2015 Jul-Sep;38(3):244-53. doi: 10.1097/JAC.0000000000000092.

Abstract

Organizational environments may encourage community health workers (CHWs) to engage community members in improving their communities. We conducted open-ended interviews and focus groups to explore how participation in the Acción intervention, which trained CHWs in community advocacy, affected organizational capacity to support their CHWs. Supervisors described improved organizational recognition and trust of CHWs. Organizational leaders reported organizational benefits and increased appreciation of CHW leadership. Both expressed increased interest in future advocacy trainings. Limiting factors included organizational mission, CHW position descriptions, and funding. Findings indicate that, with training and funding, CHW community advocacy can be integrated into organizations with congruent missions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Arizona
  • Community Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Community Health Workers / education
  • Community Health Workers / organization & administration*
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Promotion*
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Professional Role*
  • Social Determinants of Health