Supporting the Community's Health Advocates: Initial Insights into the Implementation of a Dual-Purpose Educational and Supportive Group for Community Health Workers.

ABSTRACT: Background/Objectives: Community health workers (CHWs) play a critical role in advancing health equity by bridging gaps in care for underserved populations. However, limited institutional support, inconsistent training, and lack of integration contribute to high rates of burnout. The Lunch and Learn program was launched in Maryland in fall 2023 as a virtual continuing education and peer-support initiative designed to foster professional development, enhance connections among CHWs, and align with Maryland state CHW certification requirements. This article describes the program's first year of implementation as a proof-of-concept and model for scalable CHW workforce support. Methods: The program offered twice-monthly, one-hour virtual sessions that included expert-led presentat

SUBMITTER: Johnson M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12732857 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature