Authors

  1. Mayfield-Johnson, Susan PhD, MCHES
  2. Smith, Denise O. MBA, CHW, PN
  3. Crosby, Sara A. MPH
  4. Haywood, Catherine G. BSW
  5. Castillo, Joelisa CHW
  6. Bryant-Williams, Dolontria MBA, CHW
  7. Jay, Kim BA, CHW
  8. Seguinot, Milagrosa AS, CCHW
  9. Smith, Treva CHW
  10. Moore, Nicole CHW
  11. Wennerstrom, Ashley PhD, MPH

Abstract

Community health workers (CHWs) leverage their trusting relationships with underresourced populations to promote health equity and social justice in their communities. Little is known about CHWs roles in addressing COVID-19 or how the pandemic may have affected CHWs' ability to interact with and support communities experiencing disparities. A focus group with CHW leaders from 7 states revealed 8 major themes: CHW identity, CHW resiliency, self-care, unintended positives outcomes of COVID-19, technology, resources, stressors, and consequences of COVID-19. Understanding the pandemic's impact on CHWs has implications for workforce development, training, and health policies.