Community Health Workers: Bridging Care Gaps and Driving Outcomes

Community Health Workers (CHWs) play an increasingly important role in improving access to care, addressing social drivers of health, and supporting patient-centered outcomes—particularly within community and pharmacy-based care models. This session provides a foundational overview of the CHW role, including core responsibilities, common practice environments, and how CHWs collaborate with pharmacists and interdisciplinary care teams to support patients beyond traditional clinical encounters.

Participants will examine the documented impact of CHW involvement on patient outcomes and care coordination, as well as emerging models that integrate CHWs into pharmacy and community health settings. The program also reviews state-level considerations for CHW training, certification, and continuing education, highlighting that requirements vary widely across states and may include formal certification, defined scopes of practice, or employer-based training pathways.

Designed to build awareness and regulatory understanding, this activity equips pharmacy professionals, technicians, and support staff with the knowledge needed to understand CHW roles, comply with applicable state expectations, and effectively collaborate with CHWs in evolving healthcare environments.