A Case Study of CHW Integration in Two Health Departments in Southern Arizona

Maia Ingram; Andi Medrano; Dolores Encinas; Lee Itule-Klasen; Gloria Coronado; Maria Esparza; Rodrigo Valenzuela Cordova; Jax Seline; Raleigh C. Addington; Ada M. Wilkinson-Lee

doi:10.1097/JAC.0000000000000529

A Case Study of CHW Integration in Two Health Departments in Southern Arizona

Maia Ingram
, Andi Medrano
, Dolores Encinas
, Lee Itule-Klasen
, Gloria Coronado
, Maria Esparza
, Rodrigo Valenzuela Cordova
, Jax Seline
, Raleigh C. Addington
, Ada M. Wilkinson-Lee

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

The objective of our participatory case study of community health worker (CHW) integration was to describe the role of CHWs in two local health departments (LHDs). Study partners co-developed an interview guide based on an existing framework. Fourteen staff participated in interviews. CHWs build community trust for LHDs, provide LHD core services, identify community concerns and priorities, and address social determinants of health. Integration barriers include hiring protocols, lack of understanding of the CHW role, inadequate compensation, and sustainable funding. The study identified key factors for an integration process that promotes the effectiveness, wellbeing, and sustainability of the workforce.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	147-158
Number of pages	12
Journal	Journal of Ambulatory Care Management
Volume	48
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1097/JAC.0000000000000529
State	Published - Jul 1 2025

Keywords

case study
community health workers
community-based participatory research
local health departments
public health workforce
qualitative research
social determinants of health

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Health Policy

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10.1097/JAC.0000000000000529

Cite this

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title = "A Case Study of CHW Integration in Two Health Departments in Southern Arizona",

abstract = "The objective of our participatory case study of community health worker (CHW) integration was to describe the role of CHWs in two local health departments (LHDs). Study partners co-developed an interview guide based on an existing framework. Fourteen staff participated in interviews. CHWs build community trust for LHDs, provide LHD core services, identify community concerns and priorities, and address social determinants of health. Integration barriers include hiring protocols, lack of understanding of the CHW role, inadequate compensation, and sustainable funding. The study identified key factors for an integration process that promotes the effectiveness, wellbeing, and sustainability of the workforce.",

keywords = "case study, community health workers, community-based participatory research, local health departments, public health workforce, qualitative research, social determinants of health",

author = "Maia Ingram and Andi Medrano and Dolores Encinas and Lee Itule-Klasen and Gloria Coronado and Maria Esparza and Cordova, \{Rodrigo Valenzuela\} and Jax Seline and Addington, \{Raleigh C.\} and Wilkinson-Lee, \{Ada M.\}",

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AU - Coronado, Gloria

AU - Esparza, Maria

AU - Cordova, Rodrigo Valenzuela

AU - Seline, Jax

AU - Addington, Raleigh C.

AU - Wilkinson-Lee, Ada M.

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AB - The objective of our participatory case study of community health worker (CHW) integration was to describe the role of CHWs in two local health departments (LHDs). Study partners co-developed an interview guide based on an existing framework. Fourteen staff participated in interviews. CHWs build community trust for LHDs, provide LHD core services, identify community concerns and priorities, and address social determinants of health. Integration barriers include hiring protocols, lack of understanding of the CHW role, inadequate compensation, and sustainable funding. The study identified key factors for an integration process that promotes the effectiveness, wellbeing, and sustainability of the workforce.

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KW - community-based participatory research

KW - local health departments

KW - public health workforce

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KW - social determinants of health

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A Case Study of CHW Integration in Two Health Departments in Southern Arizona

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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