In the United States, chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, and chronic lung disease account for 70% of deaths and 75% of health care costs (Harris JR, Wallace RB. The Institute of Medicine’s New Report on Living Well With Chronic Illness. Prev Chronic Dis 2012;9:120126.).
Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a critical role in helping individuals manage chronic diseases by acting as a bridge between the healthcare system and the community. One of the primary ways CHWs make a significant impact is by addressing the social determinants of health (SDOH) — the economic, social, and environmental factors that influence individuals’ overall well-being and access to healthcare services.
By establishing trust within communities, CHWs help to break down the barriers that often prevent people from seeking care, such as financial constraints, lack of transportation, language or cultural differences, and inadequate health literacy. For instance, CHWs can assist individuals in navigating complex healthcare systems, ensuring that they understand their diagnoses, and helping them schedule and attend appointments.