Feasibility of deploying community health workers to assist with health-related social needs and hypertension in community care clinics

We conducted a pilot study of implementing CHWs to assist patients with hypertension and social needs. As part of clinical care, patients identified as having an unmet need were referred to a CHW. We evaluated changes in blood pressure and needs among 35 patients and conducted interviews to understand participants’ experiences. Participants had a mean age of 54.1 years and 29 were Black. Twenty-six completed follow up. Blood pressure and social needs improved from baseline to 6 months. Participants reported being accepting of CHWs, but also challenges with establishing a relationship with a CHW and being unclear about their role.