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HHS Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, April 2011

Strategy II.B: Promote the use of community health workers and Promotores. While Health Insurance Exchanges and expansions in Medicaid created by the Affordable Care Act offer much promise for racial and ethnic minorities, targeted efforts are necessary to ensure that they are enrolled and receive the health benefits for which they are eligible. Promotores are individuals who provide health education and support to their community members. Community health workers and Promotoras can provide enrollment assistance and serve as critical liaisons between community members and health and human services organizations.

Actions

II.B.1 Increase the use of Promotores to promote participation in health education, behavioral health education, prevention, and health insurance programs. This initiative includes: establishing a National Steering Committee for Promotores; developing a national training curriculum and uniform national recognition for them; creating a national database system to facilitate recruitment and track training of Promotores; and supporting and linking Promotores' networks across the Nation. As part of ACF's Head Start Program, Promotores and community health workers can help parents effectively navigate the healthcare system and manage health care for their children.

Lead/Participating Agencies: OASH/OMH, CMS, HHS/OGHA, HRSA, CDC, ACF, AOA, NIH, and SAMHSA Timeline: Starting in FY 2011.

HHS Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

→ HHS Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities