18 Oct, 2024
Interactive Insights: The CHWI Systems Map Explained
CHWs, Health Equity, QC4 Updates

We are excited to announce the release of Cultivating Community Change Together: Mecklenburg County’s Community Health Worker Initiative (CHWI) Comprehensive Action Plan to Improve Access to Care, accompanied by an insightful systems map video that highlights the complexities of improving population health in Mecklenburg County. This marks a significant step in our ongoing effort to improve health outcomes for Mecklenburg County residents.

Cultivating Community Change Together Plan 

Our comprehensive action plan focuses on three overarching goal areas, 12 strategies, and a multitude of activities focusing on:

  1. Community health workers that serve Mecklenburg County communities 
  2. Organizations that hire, train, and/or fund the community health worker workforce 
  3. The health and social provider network of community partners that impact population health outcomes

The Cultivating Community Change Together Plan is now available, offering a comprehensive approach to strengthening the CHW workforce across Mecklenburg County. This plan emphasizes collaboration, capacity building, and impactful strategies to drive positive health outcomes for Mecklenburg County residents.

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Ultimately, this plan aims to uplift CHWs as valued members of the healthcare and public health workforce by addressing the root causes of poor health outcomes. By investing in CHWs and the systems that support them, Mecklenburg County can make health care more equitable by improving outcomes for its residents.

At the first annual Movers & Shakers CommUNITY Forum, Mecklenburg County’s CHWI will explore the plan with an interactive gallery walk that provides attendees with the opportunity to see where they fit in the plan and discuss what strategies resonates with them the most.

Community Health Worker Initiative Systems Map Video

To provide a clearer understanding of the complexities that impact population health in Mecklenburg County, the CHWI partnered with Partners for Impact to produce a systems map video. This video walks viewers through the complexities of the Cultivating Community Together Plan by visualizing the multiple moving parts that influence health outcomes. This video covers several essential areas and factors influencing health outcomes.

Factors Influencing Health Outcomes:
  • Individual Behavior: Highlights the impacts of lifestyle choices on health.
  • Access to Care: Emphasizes the importance of accessible healthcare.
  • Social Determinants of Health: Discusses how living conditions affect health.
Role of Community Health Workers:

CHWs are frontline public health workers who are trusted members of and/or have a uniquely close understanding of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the worker to serve as a liaison between health and social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery.

Goals of the Community Health Worker Initiative:
  • Training and Professional Development: Ensures CHWs receive continuous training
  • Supportive Work Environment: Values the lived experience of CHWs
  • Community Resources: Mobilizes resources to support CHWs in improving health outcomes.

Our systems map video highlights the complex nature of improving health outcomes in Mecklenburg County by soliciting support from various institutions, organizations, and individuals to achieve our shared goals.

Community Health Workers are indispensable in bridging gaps and improving public health outcomes. National CHW Awareness Week is a time to celebrate and support their contributions. By understanding their history, roles, and the importance of recognizing and supporting them, we can better advocate for policies and initiatives that empower CHWs to continue their essential work.

Acknowledgements

We extend our sincere gratitude to Partners for Impact for their efforts in designing the systems map.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement as we work together to create a positive change in health outcomes for the residents of Mecklenburg County.