Civitas Networks for Health Features HIO CHW Efforts in Latest Blog: “Ohio’s Community Health Workers and Their Impact on Vulnerable Populations”
Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a critical role in addressing social determinants of health and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations. By acting as trusted advocates and navigators, CHWs bridge the gap between individuals and the often-complex health care system. Through innovative models, legislative support, and dedicated training programs, Ohio is paving the way for a more effective and equitable approach to care delivery.
This topic was explored in depth during the Civitas Networks for Health Annual Conference in October 2024, in a session led by Jenelle Hoseus, a Civitas board member and Chief Policy and Partnerships Officer for Health Impact Ohio, and Chief Executive Officer for Central Ohio Pathways HUB, alongside Tanikka Price, Chief Education & Equity Officer for Health Impact Ohio.
Their presentation highlighted Ohio’s innovative strategies to support CHWs and the communities they serve.
Background on Health Impact Ohio
Health Impact Ohio (HIO), a Regional Healthcare Improvement Collaborative based in Columbus, Ohio and a Civitas member for many years, is committed to advancing equitable health outcomes statewide. Guided by its vision of optimal health for all, HIO tackles social determinants of health, enhances care quality, and improves access through community-driven initiatives.
With a focus on community engagement, training, data integration, and strategic planning, HIO leads impactful programs such as the Central Ohio Pathways HUB and the CHW Certification Program. Supported by partners like the Ohio Department of Health, CDC, and managed care organizations, HIO empowers communities with sustainable solutions to reduce health disparities and improve lives.
What is the Central Ohio Pathways HUB?
The Central Ohio Pathways HUB, created and managed by Health Impact Ohio since 2019, is a care coordination program designed to connect Central Ohio’s most at-risk populations with critical health services and resources. Operating across Franklin, Delaware, Union, Madison, Pickaway, Licking, Marion, Ross, and Fairfield counties, the HUB collaborates with ten Care Coordination Agencies (CCAs) employing 40 CHWs to deliver personalized care and support.
The HUB prioritizes addressing social determinants of health by bridging gaps in:
Health care access
Social support services
Community resource connections
Together, the Central Ohio Pathways HUB and its partners are driving better health outcomes and advancing equity for the region’s most underserved communities.
A Growing Framework: Training for Community Health Workers
Ohio has made significant strides in formalizing and supporting the CHW workforce. The Ohio Board of Nursing oversees CHW certification, ensuring that CHWs receive the training and tools they need to thrive. Certification involves comprehensive training programs and practicum placements, often hosted at the CHW’s place of employment. This structure not only professionalizes the CHW role but also equips these trusted community members with enhanced skills to support families and individuals navigating their health care needs. HIO’s team, led by Dr. Price, has been teaching a CHW Certification course for five years with curriculum that is prenatal care to end of life planning, with a goal of giving constructive education so that CHWs are able to meet the need of any client they may engage with in the future.
To expand opportunities for CHWs, Ohio has introduced programs targeting high school students, creating a pipeline for the next generation of CHWs. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Health has established a Center of Excellence for the CHW model and is developing training programs for CHW supervisors to ensure sustained support and leadership development.
Legislative Support and Sustainability
Ohio’s legislative framework has been instrumental in advancing the CHW model. Senate Bill 332 provided critical policy support to decrease infant mortality, enhanced CHW certification processes, and enabled reimbursement through Medicaid and Managed Care Plans (MCOs). This legislative action, coupled with significant financial support from the Ohio Commission on Minority Health (OCMH), allowed Ohio to grow its Community Care Hub (CCH) model from four to twelve hubs, providing a clear path to sustainability.
Under this model, CHWs partner with MCOs to conduct risk assessments, develop personalized care plans (called “pathways”), and connect clients to essential community resources. This approach has yielded impressive results, including 122 healthy birthweight babies, with 96% born at a healthy weight as seen in HIO’s OCMH data from 2022.
How Community Health Workers Serves as Trusted Partners in Health and Wellbeing
Ohio’s CHWs are more than health care navigators—they are trusted community members dedicated to addressing gaps in access to quality care and services. Demographically diverse, CHWs in Ohio are often driven by a personal passion for improving the well-being of their neighbors. Nearly 90% of CHWs educate individuals and families, and 90% connect clients to vital community resources, demonstrating their critical role in addressing social determinants of health.
Health Impact Ohio has been leading efforts with tens of other Community Based Organizations (CBOs) across the State to focus on how to create standardization in workflows, outcomes data, and eventually reimbursement for community-based interventions, especially those performed by a CHW. This is critical in recognizing CHWs as part of the larger healthcare eco system and to provide services to individuals in a way that is meaningful and meets them where they are.
These initiatives aim to enhance the impact of CHWs while ensuring sustainable funding and operational support.
The Future of Community Health Workers in Ohio
Ohio’s investment in training for community health workers and its innovative HUB model have positioned the state as a leader in leveraging CHWs to address social determinants of health. By aligning legislative support, standardized processes, and community-focused initiatives, Ohio is empowering CHWs to make a lasting impact on vulnerable populations.
As emphasized by Jenelle and Tanikka during their presentation at the Civitas Networks for Health Annual Conference, Ohio’s approach offers valuable lessons for states nationwide. By fostering trust and collaboration at the community level, CHWs are driving health equity and creating a more effective and sustainable health care ecosystem.