HPAC Scholar's Day 2019 CHW_Assessment_Key_Findings | Page 7

Executive Summary
In order to gain a more accurate picture of the Community Health Worker (CHW)
landscape in Ohio, this statewide CHW capacity assessment sought to identify
how CHWs are currently being trained, certified, employed, reimbursed, and
utilized in Ohio.
Assessment Methods
Under the guidance of the state sponsors
and a CHW Assessment Advisory Committee,
composed of CHWs and CHW stakeholders
across Ohio, the assessment team conducted
a secondary data collection, 11 key informant
interviews, five focus groups of CHWs, a
statewide survey for CHWs, and a statewide
survey for employers/supervisors of CHWs
in order to compile comprehensive data on
current CHW capacity and needs in Ohio.
Key Findings
Number of CHWs and Demographics
in Ohio
There are currently more than 601 certified
CHWs in Ohio. These 601 CHWs are between
the ages of 19-82 years and primarily reside in
Ohio’s major cities and adjacent areas. From
the statewide CHW survey, it is estimated
that there are more than 249 non-certified
CHWs in Ohio. In total, there are currently at
least 850 CHWs in Ohio (both certified and
non-certified).
Both certified and non-certified CHWs
practice in all 88 counties in Ohio. CHWs
in Ohio share common traits with the
community they serve in a variety of
ways, particularly in terms of zip code,
socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and life
experience. Furthermore, it is estimated that:
■ ■ 94 percent of CHWs are female
■ ■ Most CHWs are African American (46
percent) or Caucasian (44 percent)
■ ■
The highest level of education for most
CHWs is some college or an associate’s
degree (54 percent)
CHW Employment in Ohio
According to the statewide CHW survey, there
are at least 487 CHWs that are employed in
Ohio and 58 CHWs that are unemployed.
According to comments from CHWs in
both the focus groups and surveys, it is
difficult to find, and in some cases maintain,
employment as a CHW in Ohio. CHWs
commented there are not enough CHW
positions in Ohio, many positions require a
bachelor’s degree or higher, life experience
is not counted enough in hiring decisions,
and due to the nature of grant funding CHW
positions have little job security.
CHWs are known by many job titles. The
most prevalent job title from this sample was
community health worker. Other common
titles included home visitor, community
connector, outreach worker, health coach,
and patient navigator among many other
titles. Additionally, most CHWs in this sample
were supervised by a nurse or social worker.
The most common response for the CHW
annual salary range from both CHWs and
employers was $30,000.01-$35,000 annually.
Additionally, it was found through this
assessment that there is no significant
difference between the pay of certified CHWs
versus the pay of non-certified CHWs.
Executive Summary
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