Community health workers (CHWs), also referred to as community health representatives, promotoras, and peer navigators, are trusted health professionals who share life experience with the individuals and communities they serve. CHWs bridge health care and social services and perform a range of roles, such as health education, care coordination, care transitions support, and connection to social services.

An increasing number of initiatives for people with complex needs are integrating CHWs into care teams to more effectively address health-related social needs across a range of settings. There is a growing evidence base for the impact of CHW programs on improving health and cost outcomes and advancing health equity.

This Better Care Playbook Collection highlights the evidence behind CHW programs for people with complex needs as well as practical strategies to support effective implementation of these programs. CHW programs featured in this collection focus on improving care for a range of populations with complex health and social needs, including Medicaid enrollees, individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, justice-involved individuals, people with serious illness, and others.