Film Festival

Community Health Workers (CHWs) are typically bicultural and bilingual individuals whose effectiveness stems from their membership in and understanding of the communities they serve. CHWs serve as a crucial bridge between cultural groups and the health systems that serve them. They deliver culturally appropriate health education, health promotion and supportive health services to patients who face linguistic and cultural barriers to accessing health care. Their functions vary across the organizations that employ them and the populations they serve. They are often based in clinics, but also are found in community organizations, mutual assistance associations and within public health agencies.

In some cases, CHWs help patients obtain health coverage, make medical appointments and follow through on treatment recommendations. In other cases, CHWs provide outreach, referral and education about specific health issues such as diabetes or teenage pregnancy.

In 2007, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation partnered with Twin Cities public television to create a 30-minute program that introduces several of Minnesota’s outstanding community health workers, their work and successes. The program features five CHWs as well as some of their clients, supervisors, instructors and the clinicians who work with them. Other highlights of the program include:

• The development of a statewide standardized CHW training program based in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system that provides an educational pathway for prospective students and helps diversify the work force
• The formation of a peer network to provide ongoing support and learning opportunities for CHWs
• The development of a policy council, which has been successful in passing legislation for reimbursement of some CHW services

Results to date:

• 145 students have graduated from the CHW program as of December 2007
• 60 Minnesota health care providers and social service agencies now employ CHWs
• 75 new positions have been created in the past two years

Formal evaluation of CHW programs is fairly new, however, one published study found that emergency room visits and hospitalizations were reduced by 38% and 30%, respectively, resulting in a 27% reduction of Medicaid reimbursement in this patient population. Another study has measured a 2.28 return on investment for every program dollar spent.

The program has aired several times on Minnesota’s public television stations. Additionally a DVD of the program was created and is available at no charge to interested organizations through the foundation’s web site at www.bcbsmnfoundation.org. To date, nearly 1,500 copies have been distributed throughout the country.