CHSU Discovery

Abstract

Community Health Worker (CHW) Programs are the training and implementation of community health workers (CHWs) into the community to lessen health disparities and increase healthcare access in underserved populations. CHWs share the language and experiences of their fellow community members and work alongside the healthcare system to provide many healthcare services. CHW programs are shaped by the communities they serve. To implement a new CHW program in Fresno County, we must first understand the needs and health disparities specific to Fresno County's underserved populations, specifically Asian and Latino populations. What are the most prevalent health disparities in Fresno County, and how can the novel implementation of a CHW program lessen said health disparities by increasing healthcare access and promoting disease prevention within underserved Latino and Asian populations in Fresno County? To assess Fresno County’s population demographics and needs, we will screen for healthcare-specific parameters in public databases and websites to collect information on existing healthcare infrastructure and patient demographic information of Fresno County. Assessment of Fresno County's demographics yielded that 54.23% of Fresno County residents identified as Hispanic/Latino, while 10.72% identified as Asian. These will be our targeted populations. It is important to note that education levels among ethnicities showed significantly lower education levels in Fresno County compared to California as a whole. Among the top needs of the community in a Central Valley Community survey in 2023 were safe places for physical activity, access to healthy food, and mental health/substance use disorder programs for parents. We identified the most significant chronic health issues prevalent in Fresno County through our community needs assessment: high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and poor mental health. A lack of cancer screenings results in a disproportionate incidence of cancers in communities of color. Fresno County is a significantly underserved community that would greatly benefit from implementing a CHW program to address the specific needs of the community and lower barriers to access to equitable healthcare.