The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) plans to provide $300 million to jurisdictions for services from community health workers (CHWs) to support prevention and control of COVID-19 in underserved communities and an additional $32 million for training, technical assistance, and evaluation, according to a news release from the agency.
CHWs are frontline public health workers who have a trusted relationship with a community, which allows them to facilitate access to a variety of services and resources for community members.
The CDC expects to award funds to approximately 75 organizations.
“These resources will strengthen the incredible work of our nation’s community health workers in areas disproportionately affected by COVID-19,” said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH.
The funding is intended to address:
· Disparities in access to COVID-19 related services, such as testing, contact tracing, and immunization.
· Factors that increase risk of severe COVID-19 illness, such as chronic diseases, smoking, and pregnancy.
· Community needs that have been exacerbated by COVID-19, such as access to medical and behavioral health services and food insecurity.
