The NIH Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) highlights lessons from the CHW-SYSTIM study, which examines how community health workers can help patients overcome barriers that make managing diabetes and hypertension more difficult. Participating CHWs worked with patients to identify needs related to food, transportation, housing, and health care costs and connected them with community resources.

The project also emphasizes integrating CHWs into primary care teams, strengthening communication between CHWs and clinical staff, and providing ongoing training, professional development, and sustainable support. Community partners noted that collaboration can help health centers better understand patients' needs and connect them with appropriate services and resources.

The resource offers practical lessons for health centers, community partners, and public health professionals looking to strengthen community-based approaches to primary care and address barriers to accessing services.

Learn More: Working Together Helps Communities Tackle Barriers in Primary Care