Jefferson Achieves Historic Accreditation for Community Health Workers in the U.S.

Jefferson's Milestone Achievement in Community Health

In a significant leap for community health initiatives, Jefferson has become the first organization in the nation to acquire URAC's Community Health Worker (CHW) Program Accreditation. This prestigious acknowledgment points to the establishment of comprehensive standards, specifically tailored for organizations focusing on the employment and support of community health workers across various healthcare and community settings.

Dr. Christine James, the Director of the Community Health Worker Academy at Jefferson, emphasized, "Community health workers are crucial for promoting equitable healthcare access." The recognition received with URAC's accreditation not only validates the robust infrastructure behind their program but also reinforces Jefferson's unwavering commitment to nurturing workforce systems that empower CHWs and instill measurable impacts across their communities.

Since the Community Health Worker Program's launch in 2023, Jefferson has augmented its team of CHWs from a mere handful to approximately 40 dedicated professionals embedded within hospital and community settings. These workers provide essential services, such as home visits, follow-up care post-discharge, chronic disease management coaching, and vital connections to social services. This proactive approach has significantly decreased the need for emergency department visits, reduced hospital readmissions, improved blood pressure levels among patients, and boosted engagement in primary care services.

Jefferson's Community Health Worker Academy takes a unique approach by recruiting individuals directly from the communities it serves. Graduates of this Academy benefit from a paid training program, which places them in full-time roles complete with benefits. This program enhances both cultural competence in care delivery and diversity within the workforce, as actively engaged local representatives spearhead health initiatives.

Dr. Keith Leaphart, Chief Health Equity Community Impact Officer at Jefferson, stated, "As a pillar of the community, Jefferson is dedicated to improving health access, providing health insurance, and promoting educational opportunities." The CHW program actively helps eliminate obstacles to education and career development, affording participants a brighter and more secure future.

To celebrate this groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Shawn Griffin, President and CEO of URAC, will formally deliver the accreditation to the leadership and participants of Jefferson's program at a special event today. "Community health workers are essential in bridging care gaps and tackling social determinants of health," Dr. Griffin noted.

This recent accreditation by URAC establishes a robust, evidence-based framework emphasizing organizational responsibility and workforce support. Standards are meticulously directed at aspects such as leadership involvement, clear reporting structures, equitable compensation, and career advancement opportunities. These programs must also showcase their efforts in integrating CHWs into clinical and community workflows, developing cohesive coordination across care teams, and measuring the contributions of CHWs effectively.

Moreover, the accreditation process has significantly fortified the day-to-day support for CHWs at Jefferson, implementing features like a peer mentorship program and formalized processes for measuring and conveying their contributions to both internal stakeholders and the larger community.

Dr. James reflects on the value of this accreditation, indicating, "CHWs engage with patients in their environments, often outside the confines of hospitals, and assist them in reconnecting with healthcare and social support systems crucial for sustained health. Achieving this accreditation offered us an objective method to confirm our positive outcomes while enhancing our support for CHWs as professionals, which now includes clearer supervision, reporting frameworks, and a heightened commitment to mental well-being."

This initiative represents a hope not just for community patients but also for the broader healthcare system, demonstrating that well-supported programs can lead to substantial improvements in health equity and outcomes.

About URAC and Jefferson

URAC is a prominent independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing healthcare quality through accreditation, measurement, and education for over 35 years. Jefferson, on the other hand, is transforming healthcare and education to provide exceptional value and support across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, employing more than 65,000 staff dedicated to high-quality patient care and forging pathways for future professionals through extensive educational programs.

For further details on URAC's Community Health Worker Program Accreditation, please visit URAC's website.