Community Health Worker
Definition
Trusted community members trained to provide health education, connect neighbors to services, advocate for community health needs, and bridge the gap between communities and healthcare systems. Community Health Workers (CHWs) share cultural background, language, and lived experience with the communities they serve, enabling trust that professional healthcare workers often can’t achieve. CHWs improve health outcomes, reduce emergency room use, and cost far less than traditional healthcare providers.
Louisville Context
Louisville has limited Community Health Worker programs, primarily through a few nonprofits and health systems. West Louisville neighborhoods with worst health outcomes lack sufficient CHWs despite clear need. Medicaid reimbursement for CHW services is limited in Kentucky, making sustainable funding difficult. Peer cities with robust CHW programs have documented improved chronic disease management, better maternal health, and reduced healthcare costs.
Why It Matters
Healthcare system failures often result from distrust, cultural barriers, lack of information, and inability to navigate complex systems—problems doctors can’t solve but CHWs can. West Louisville’s health disparities require trusted community members helping neighbors access care, manage chronic diseases, and advocate for health needs. CHWs provide highest-return health investment for underserved communities.
Dave’s Proposal
Dave will employ 25 Community Health Workers through Community Wellness Centers (funded within $1.025 billion budget), deploying them in neighborhoods with worst health outcomes. CHWs will conduct home visits for maternal health, chronic disease management, health insurance navigation, and connection to services. He’ll advocate for Kentucky to expand Medicaid reimbursement for CHW services.