New NACHW Framework Targets Long-Term Sustainability for CHWs

Released during National Community Health Worker Awareness Week, the expanded document, Strengthening Public Health with Community Health Workers, provides evidence-based tools for healthcare providers and state agencies. The initiative, developed alongside partners like Sanofi and NationSwell, emphasizes that while individual programs show success, the current landscape lacks the consistent, long-term financing necessary for widespread integration.

Denise Octavia Smith, the association’s inaugural executive director, noted that the new resources are specifically designed to bridge the gap between frontline experience and legislative decision-making. By offering sector-specific guidance for community-based organizations and health systems, the report seeks to move beyond isolated pilot projects toward systemic policy changes. Honey Yang-Estrada, president of the North Carolina Community Health Worker Association, highlighted that these workers remain essential for navigating complex issues ranging from chronic disease management to Medicaid enrollment. The full suite of resources is available via the NACHW website to facilitate further advocacy and structural investment.