Community Health Workers: The Real Front Line

Presented by Quisha Umemba, CEO of Umemba Health LLC for the People's Public Health Conference. www.thepeoples...
Abstract: If patients are lucky, they will spend about 15 minutes on average at a doctor's visit. During that time, the doctor may tell them to go on a diet and the nurse may give them a handout on the foods to eat and avoid. The CHW, however, will spend time providing basic nutrition information, making referrals to community resources like cooking programs, and providing them with a handout on Farmers Market locations in their area. The CHW also tells the patient if they’re eligible for SNAP benefits (also called food stamps) and then helps them complete the application if assistance is needed.
There are enough professionals taking care of a patients’ medical needs, but there are not nearly enough professionals taking care of a patient’s social needs. Community Health Workers have the time to spend with patients addressing real-life issues, thus preventing health-related disparities and helping to advance health equity.
In this talk, Umemba Health CEO, Quisha Umemba provides an overview of the Community Health Worker profession and demonstrates how this growing workforce is indeeded a force to be reckoned with. Participants should leave the session with a better understanding of the impact and contributions made by CHWs and how they can support and utilize CHWs to advance health equity.
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Umemba Health helps public health organizations and healthcare systems to educate their frontline workforce, empower their leadership, and expand their community presence to elevate the lives of the individuals and communities they serve. For more information about our consulting and training solutions that increase workforce readiness and support career development for Community Health Workers, visit our website at www.umembahealth.com