Community health workers: improving population health through integration into healthcare systems.

Purpose Of Review: The purpose of this review is to describe the role, responsibilities, hiring, training, and retention of community health workers (CHWs) on clinical care teams in the United States.

Recent Findings: CHWs are unique members of clinical care teams because of their ability to foster a deep trust and understanding with patients by sharing similar life experiences, participating in home visits, and providing constant support and advocacy. By partnering with CHWs, other clinical care members also gain a better understanding of their patients allowing them to deliver more culturally competent, patient/family-centered care.