Focus on the future: a community health worker research agenda by and for the field.

Problem: Research articles describing community health worker (CHW) programs often focus on program activities and short-term outcomes, failing to assess CHWs' long-term contributions to improving individual and community health. Reflecting this, CHWs are supported by short-term public and private funding.

Purpose: To inform policies that will potentially increase support and funding for CHW work, specific research is needed providing evidence of CHW effectiveness.