Community Health Workers: An Overview

Arkansas could strengthen the connection between its healthcare providers and its communities by investing in an often overlooked and underutilized subset of the healthcare workforce — community health workers. These frontline health workers are typically members of the communities they serve, are equipped with the knowledge and skills to address local health needs, and play a vital role in bridging the gap between healthcare systems and vulnerable, underserved communities. In this explainer, we look at the roles of community health workers, their training and certification process in Arkansas, and evidence on their effectiveness.