Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention: Interventions Engaging Community Health Workers

The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommends interventions that engage community health workers to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) for patients at an increased risk. 

These interventions use 1 or more of the following models of care:

• Screening and health education
• Outreach, enrollment, and information
• Team-based care
• Patient navigation
• Community organizers 

CPSTF found strong evidence that these interventions improve blood pressure and cholesterol when used in a team-based care model — and some evidence they can reduce morbidity and mortality related to CVD.

When these interventions are implemented in minority or underserved communities, they can improve health, reduce health disparities, and enhance health equity.

Economic evidence indicates these interventions are cost-effective.