In recognition of American Heart Month, this episode focuses on the important role that community health workers (CHWs) play in Virginia’s statewide approach to addressing health disparities and heart disease, in particular. Across the nation, CHWs serve as linkages between patients and the healthcare system to address health disparities and provide social support. These individuals have a deep understanding of their communities and share personal, cultural, linguistic, and other characteristics with those they serve. With the support of CHWs, the Virginia Department of Health improved its capacity statewide to identify and monitor individuals with hypertension.

Guests:

• Norman Oliver, MD, MA, State Health Commissioner, Virginia Department of Health
• Patrick Wiggins, Health Systems Intervention, Coordinator, Virginia Department of Health
• Keandra Holloway, Community Health Worker, Richmond City Health District

 ASTHO Resources:

• Tools for Change Resource Library
• Community Health Workers: An Overview
• ASTHO-CDC Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Learning Collaborative