Dr. Daudet Ilunga Tshiswaka

INTRODUCTION
Community Health Workers (CHW), increase access and help navigate the complex healthcare system
Florida ranks in the bottom 20% in social, economic, physical environment, behavioral, and health outcomes (1).
Public health and medical advances have not reached the health goals in all parts of society (2)
Shortage of health professionals (including CHWs) (1,4), and social determinants of health (3) exacerbated health disparities (US, Florida)
Being familiar and trusted members (5), mobilizing CHWs to marginalized communities increases health access (IOM, 2003)
The rising CHW cadre (US, 41% between 2000 to 2005) (6), their critical roles, and responsibilities warrant effective training for CHWs
CHWs as certified, skilled, experienced cadre via effective and cost-effective training (7), could retool the health system and improve health outcomes
LHWs served in health and social services (1960s). Today, CHWs in community organizations, health departments, churches, schools, and hospitals promote health education and various health interventions
AIMS
Summarize evidence of training program development, implementation, and evaluation to explore Gaps in CHWs’ knowledge, skills, competencies, and training needs
Explore areas for additional training to enhance CHWs’ effectiveness.
Enhance healthcare delivery through appropriate training interventions