This white paper outlines best practices and solutions for health departments engaging community health workers on the frontlines to address equity gaps in the midst of COVID-19.
This white paper has been made available through Community Commons with permission of the authors: Teresa Campos-Dominguez, Bernice B. Rumala
The COVID-19 pandemic has put immense pressure on frontline and public health workers, exacerbating myriad mental health concerns, including stress, depression, and burnout. As with COVID-19 itself, impacts have disproportionately affected certain populations more likely to hold frontline positions, including women, LatinX people, and people of color. These challenges, compounded with broader issues affecting the workforce, undermine the capacities of frontline and public health workers to provide essential services. Key strategies for supporting frontline and public health workers include building a culture of caring across leadership and organizations, improving employment practices and working conditions, and fostering social support among workers.