Empowering Health Navigators and Communities

Abstract

Iowa's changing demographic landscape, influenced by increasing immigration from Latin America, Africa, and Asia, has led to an exacerbation of existing health disparities, particularly in rural and underserved communities. A community health navigator training initiative was designed to equip trusted community members with the skills necessary to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate health education and screening services. To date, more than 35 navigators have been trained and more than 1,200 people have been screened across diverse settings, including churches, mosques, and apartment complexes. Collaboration between this initiative and a statewide community care hub provides a scalable model for addressing structural barriers to care.

Keywords: community health worker training; health equity; immigrant health; rural nursing.