Dissemination Methods for Community Health Worker Programs

Many community health worker (CHW) programs have incorporated dissemination into their program planning. The goal of dissemination is to share knowledge, information, and lessons learned from program implementation, sustainability, and evaluation. Sharing best practices not only helps other CHW programs succeed but also improves the chances of long-term sustainability for the program itself.

When developing a dissemination plan for a CHW program, it is important to consider the target audience and to select dissemination methods that are most suitable for them. For example, flyers or handouts may be effective when sharing general program information at regional meetings or conferences but may not be the best approach for conveying more detailed program outcomes to existing or potential funders.

It is also important to consider who will be a trusted messenger for the information being disseminated. For example, to convey the value of a program, it may be more effective to have a former program participant or patient share a compelling and meaningful story about their experience with the program rather than utilize written reports. Common methods for sharing and disseminating information on CHW programs include:

• Participation and presentations at local, state, or national conferences and workshops
• Publications in relevant journals
• Presentations at provider or hospital staff meetings
• Social media posts
• Virtual meetings such as webinars, teleconferences, and expert panels
• Engaging with local, state, or national peer network groups
• Community outreach activities and events
• Word of mouth