Insights on COVID-19 From Community Health Worker State Leaders
Susan Mayfield‐Johnson, Denise O. Smith, Sara A. Crosby, Catherine Haywood, J. Benitez del Castillo, Dolontria Bryant-Williams, Jay Kim, Milagrosa Seguinot, Treva Smith, Nicole M. Moore, Ashley Wennerstrom
Abstract
Community health workers (CHWs) leverage their trusting relationships with underresourced populations to promote health equity and social justice in their communities. Little is known about CHWs roles in addressing COVID-19 or how the pandemic may have affected CHWs' ability to interact with and support communities experiencing disparities. A focus group with CHW leaders from 7 states revealed 8 major themes: CHW identity, CHW resiliency, self-care, unintended positives outcomes of COVID-19, technology, resources, stressors, and consequences of COVID-19. Understanding the pandemic's impact on CHWs has implications for workforce development, training, and health policies.