Healthy communities depend on trusted Community Health Workers (CHWs)
Community Health Workers are often the first point of contact between health systems and communities that face barriers to care. They improve access to mental health services, strengthen chronic disease management, address social determinants of health, and build trust where it has been lost.
Our new report, sponsored by the Abell Foundation, presents a roadmap for strengthening Maryland’s CHW workforce, with a particular focus on Baltimore City’s Latine community.
Drawing from:
- A review of the scientific literature
- Policy analysis from all 50 states
- Interviews with experts in healthcare, policy, and workforce development
- Photovoice workshops with Maryland Community Health Workers
the report provides practical recommendations for healthcare organizations, policymakers, funders, educators, and community organizations.
The recommendations extend well beyond Baltimore and can help inform CHW workforce development across Maryland and nationally.
Who should read this report?
Please share it with colleagues working in:
✔ Behavioral Health
✔ Primary Care
✔ Public Health
✔ Community-Based Organizations
✔ Health Systems
✔ Medicaid & Managed Care Organizations
✔ State and Local Government
✔ Workforce Development
✔ Community Colleges & Universities
✔ Philanthropy
✔ Researchers & Students
A copy of the report can be downloaded by clicking this link Centro SOL Community Health Workers Report.
Suggested Citation: Polk, S., Guerrero Vazquez, M., & Alvarez, K. (2026). Uniendo voces – Uniting voices: Community Health Workers Serving Baltimore’s Latine Immigrant Community. Baltimore City, MD: Abell Foundation Inc. Retrieved from https://jhcentrosol.org/community/uniendo-voces-chw-report-2026/
