Keyword: Community health worker (CHW)

In California and across the country, deep disparities in health outcomes based on race, income, and immigration status exist, which the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated.1 Reducing these disparities and improving health and well-being requires a person centered focus that int

Importance  Despite lacking robust evidence of effectiveness, health care systems in developed countries are funding holistic community health worker (CHW) social prescribing programs that address social needs and health behaviors as adjuncts to clinical care.

Objectives: There has been renewed focus on health systems integrating social care to improve health outcomes with relatively less related research focusing on ‘real-world’ practice.

Over half a million individuals return from United States prisons and millions more from jails every year, many of whom with complex health and social needs.

Purpose: Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are leaders in screening for and addressing patient's health-related social needs but variation exists in screening practices.

Context: The coupling of health care services with complementary resources that address unmet social needs is a progressively popular approach for improving health outcomes among low-income populations.

Social determinants of health (SDoH) account for up to 90% of health outcomes, whereas medical care accounts for only 10%-15%; despite this disparity, only 24% of hospitals and 16% of physician practices screen for the 5 social needs.

Social and environmental factors have an outsized effect on one’s health. Children are particularly impacted by the adverse effects of poverty.

Importance  Value-based care within accountable care organizations (ACOs) has magnified the importance of reducing preventable hospital readmissions.

As California aims to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for its residents, particularly Medi-Cal members, one strategy is to better integrate community health workers and promotores (CHW/Ps)