Texas’ announcement of $1.4 billion in federal funding to strengthen rural health care arrived at a critical moment. Rural clinics and hospitals continue to operate on thin margins, workforce shortages persist and residents across the state face widening gaps in access to care. But the Rural Texas Strong Plan aims to change that. And amid the many innovative approaches outlined in the plan, Texas recognizes and seeks to strengthen its brilliant advantage: a dedicated foundation of community health workers.
CHWs are uniquely positioned to improve access to care, support chronic disease management, improve pre- and postnatal support and healthy birth outcomes, strengthen prevention and telehealth adoption, and even stabilize the healthcare workforce — all priorities outlined in the state’s plan.
As we look at rural and border communities, residents face higher rates of chronic disease, maternal health challenges and unmet behavioral health needs. Paired with transportation barriers, limited broadband access, provider deserts, mistrust and workforce shortages, these challenges are complex and intertwined.
CHWs address all of this (and more!) — when they’re used correctly.
CHWs — also known as Promotores de Salud — are not nurses, social workers or clinicians. They are trusted community members trained to help individuals and families overcome hurdles so they can receive appropriate care. They know the community and its people because they’re from the community. They understand traditions, relationships and challenges — and, most importantly, they have the relationships to help their neighbors access quality care. The benefits of CHWs extend beyond rural communities: Every Texan gains when preventive care reduces avoidable emergencies and hospital overcrowding.
But when there aren’t enough CHWs, people don’t know where to turn; they often delay care until conditions worsen. That’s when costs rise, hospitals strain and outcomes suffer — for everyone.
On the other hand, studies demonstrate that CHW interventions can lead to improvements across the “triple aim” of health care: improved population health, improved patient experience and reduced costs. The answer is clear!
CHWs’ lived experience, local connections and hearts for service cannot be overstated. Investing in training, leadership development and clear career pathways increases the likelihood these assets stay in the community, strengthen partnerships and improve continuity of care and health outcomes.
The Rural Texas Strong plan presents a meaningful opportunity to build on Texas’ momentum. By investing in CHW recruitment, training and retention, the state can build a stronger CHW workforce, optimize systems and transform care.
Realizing the plan’s full potential will require collaboration across sectors.
MHP Salud invites local health systems, community-based organizations and regional partners to collaborate to expand our certified CHW workforce. With growing partnerships and proven CHW strategies throughout Texas, MHP Salud knows effective health solutions come from within the community, where trust already exists. Let’s drive home the results Texas needs — let’s prioritize the CHW workforce.
By: Dr. Magaly “Maggie” Dante