Two Connecticut health departments have been awarded $100,000 grants from the Connecticut Health Foundation to expand the role of community health workers (CHWs) in addressing public health needs. The funding will allow the Ledge Light Health District in New London and the Norwalk Health Department to employ CHWs as generalists, providing flexible support to their communities.
CHWs play a critical role in building trust, improving communication, and connecting individuals to programs that enhance health outcomes. Both health departments will recruit bilingual workers with lived experiences reflective of their communities. These CHWs will focus on reducing health disparities by addressing barriers to healthcare through culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
Unlike many CHW initiatives that target specific health conditions, this project emphasizes a holistic approach, enabling CHWs to address a wide range of community needs. The grant recipients aim to demonstrate the value of CHWs in public health by collecting data on their impact on health outcomes and return on investment. Findings will be shared with other local health departments to advocate for sustainable funding and broader integration of CHWs into public health systems.
These grants are part of a broader effort by the Connecticut Health Foundation, which awarded $1.44 million to various organizations this quarter. Other grants include support for asthma intervention programs, Medicaid advocacy, and initiatives addressing maternal and infant health disparities. Notable recipients include Charter Oak Health Center, Connecticut Legal Services, and Family Centers Inc., which are undertaking projects to improve health outcomes and promote health equity.
The foundation also supports grassroots and advocacy organizations through awards like the Patricia Baker Awards for Health Equity and the Sanford Cloud Awards. These initiatives highlight the importance of addressing systemic barriers to healthcare and advancing policies that improve access and equity for marginalized communities.
The Connecticut Health Foundation’s ongoing investments aim to create a more equitable healthcare system while empowering local organizations to address pressing public health challenges. Learn more at https://www.cthealth.org/
