Community health workers (CHW) are trusted members of the community who have a close understanding of the community they serve. They serve as a link between patients and service providers and work to improve health outcomes by improving access to services.

Creating and maintaining a community health worker program can be challenging, particularly as needs, standards, and payment models differ widely. While there are existing resources that address facets of CHW programs, few resources cover workforce professionalization, outcomes measurement for social determinants of health, and process improvement. This toolkit provides an overview of issues not commonly covered, with an emphasis on social determinants of health.

The purpose of this toolkit is to share program information and research-based insights from a particular program that might benefit other community health worker programs despite differences in program focus, design, and management. It will assist organizational planners, program managers, and other stakeholders in developing a professional CHW workforce, choosing program outcomes, and improving over time. 

The information draws from a five-year research partnership between the University of Kansas Medical Center, KC CARE Health Center, and Health Forward Foundation.