Authors present a case study that: 1) launched a regional Home Visiting Executive Committee to increase information and resource sharing among home visiting programs; 2) filled gaps in professional development and networking opportunities through regional trainings and events; 3) co-created a virtual professional Resource Hub centralizing tools and opportunities for CHW/P and home visiting professionals to upskill and explore related career paths; 4) co-developed an interactive public-facing website for families to learn about and navigate program eligibility while destigmatizing services; 5) co-designed culturally-responsive, multilingual communications assets to be used by CHW/Ps, home visitors, referring health professionals, and families; 6) advocates for public awareness, establishment of professional competencies, and systems change at the local, state, and national levels. Presenters lead small group discussions, generating action-planning opportunities. Relevant resources and sample communications assets will be shared to assist local implementation. Authors highlight the initiative, associated lessons learned, and process and outcome evaluation findings. Conclusion and Future Work: Authors discuss sustainability efforts, continued integration of home visitor voices into systems change work, future workforce support initiatives, integration of home visitor initiatives with CHW/P work, and ongoing advocacy and service integration work. (author abstract)
Health-related workforces face dramatic employee wellness, retention, and morale challenges. Simultaneously, as initiatives expand nationally to create reimbursement pathways for Community Health Worker/Promotores (“CHW/P”) and home visiting services, professionals’ voices must be centered so that decision-making remains focused on what the workforce needs to thrive. Authors introduce a regional systems change collaboration in California focusing: A) workforce support that reduces isolation, burnout, and stress by fostering belonging and community through professional development and leadership advancement opportunities; B) service integration that reduces friction between programs and providers for seamless referrals and service delivery experiences; C) emerging practices for creating culturally-relevant resources; and D) advocacy for increasing system sustainability.