196: From insight to impact: the Community Health Worker roles in elevating community voice in needs assessments

Cook Children's Center for Community Health conducts a triennial needs assessment to identify the health needs of children in counties primarily served by the healthcare system. For the first time, the 2024 CHNA utilized qualitative data collected by Community Health Workers (CHWs) during semi-structured interviews with 27 parents/caregivers. CHWs are trusted resources for families that have a closer understanding of the community they serve, allowing caregivers to share more openly about the barriers faced when accessing healthcare and resources. Caregiver support efforts, appointment experiences, and affordability emerged as the top themes identified in the interviews. In addition to providing coordinated care, CHWs lead evaluation efforts by identifying gaps in access to healthcare and resources. Collaborating with CHWs to collect qualitative data during the needs assessment process provided a better understanding of family challenges for children’s health to inform strategic partnerships and program efforts.

Mandy Spadine, PhD, MPH,CPH,CHES® – CHNA/Research Manager, Center for Community Health, Cook Chidren's; Rishita Parikh, MPH – Operations, Research, and Evaluation Manager, Center for Community Health, Cook Children's; Veronica Maples, MPH, CHES® – Community Health Analyst, Center for Community Health, Cook Children's; Allison Christian, MPH,CPH,CHES® – Community Health Analyst, Center for Community Health, Cook Children's; Lauren Purvis, MPH,CPH,MCHES® – Director of Evaluation, Center for Community Health, Cook Children's