The Rural Arizona CHW Development Network (RAzCHOW)
The goal of the Network is to be a sustained, diverse, driving force for the CHW workforce in Arizona to improve access to health care, health outcomes, and quality of life for rural Arizonans. The utilization of CHWs is a well-documented evidence-based practice that can improve both health care access and health outcomes while also reducing cost. The goal of the Network is to address health concerns and disparities in rural Arizona by championing CHWs to work toward the triple aim: (1) improve population health, (2) improve patient care quality and satisfaction, and (3) reduce costs.
Vision:
Rural Arizonans will have improved access to health care, enhanced health outcomes, and better quality of life.
Strategic Purpose:
The Rural Arizona CHW Workforce Development Network (RAzCHOW) will be a sustained, diverse, driving force for the CHW workforce in Arizona to improve access to health care, health outcomes, and quality of life for rural Arizonans.
RAzCHOW Objectives
The network has four objectives through which Network partners will address the domains that are critical to the CHW workforce in rural Arizona.
- Objective 1: By June 30, 2023, participatory structure and operations will enable the Network to flourish and be sustained as a champion for Arizona’s rural CHW workforce
- Objective 2: By June 30, 2023, the Network will build the capacity of rural CHWs in all 11 core competencies and 10 basic roles and maximize CHW voluntary certification per Arizona state law
- Objective 3: By June 30, 2023, the Network will work with health care system providers–both community-based and clinical–to assess needs and build the capacity to incorporate CHWs in care coordination and integrated behavioral health to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.
- Objective 4: By June 30, 2023, the Network will work with Arizona policy makers, the Medicaid system (AHCCCS) and health plans to advance financing options to support CHW services.
Please contact the RAzCHOW Network Director, Blanca Varela for more information or about how to join the Network, blanca@azchow.org.
