Empower rural health by expanding number of community health workers

There is a critical issue impacting Iowa communities — the need for more Community Health Workers (CHWs). CHWs are crucial to addressing ongoing rural health challenges. Playing a vital role in linking health care providers with the communities, CHWs manage and improve prevalent health conditions in Iowa — including asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, mental health, and chronic disease.

Studies in Texas, South Dakota, and Alabama have shown CHWs’ effectiveness, particularly, in rural settings. Consider 39% of Iowa's population resides in non-metro areas, with limited health care services. Out of Iowa’s 99 counties, 89 have been designated as health professional shortage areas for mental health and 52 for primary care; leading to an increase in mortality rates in rural communities.

Despite a notable $2.47 return for every dollar invested, there remains a lack of government funding and support for CHW programs in Iowa. While Congress has allocated resources to CHWs in response to the pandemic, Iowa lags behind neighboring states in expanding coverage.

An upcoming congressional bill aims to improve reimbursement for CHW services under Medicare and Medicaid. Recognizing their role in enhancing health care quality, accessibility, and culturally responsive care, while being cost-effective. This initiative can save Medicaid thousands of dollars per patient, annually.

To contribute to better health outcomes for Iowans, we urge U.S. Reps. Miller-Meeks and Hinson and Sens. Grassley and Ernst to support the Community Health Workers bill.

Grace Frommelt and Eli Steenhoek

Partners in Health Engage

Iowa City