Developing sustainable CHW/P programs and partnerships between MCPs and organizations can be challenging due to the different expertise, culture, and goals of organizations. Some challenges are described below, along with potential considerations for how organizations can navigate these barriers. For additional detail, access “Common Challenges and Ingredients for Success” (PDF) in the “Developing and Financing CHW/P Programs and Partnerships” section of the Resource Guide.

• Funding differences. Many CHW/P programs rely on grant funding or other time-limited funding streams, and often need to braid public and private funding streams to operate successfully. Grant funding can be helpful in filling gaps but will not sustain ongoing program operations. MCPs and CHW/P programs looking to develop successful partnerships and overcome these funding challenges will need to account for these differences in requirements, funding, and capacity within the contracting and implementation process.
• Data and legal infrastructure needs. When pursuing partnerships, it is important for MCPs and organizations with existing or potential CHW/P programs to discuss needs related to data capabilities, data protection, and specific data elements. MCPs should work with CBO partners to better understand what investments are needed to effectively integrate CHW/Ps and to support these investments where possible. The flow of data and security protocols should be outlined in contracting, training, shared workflows, and policies. Legal infrastructure and capacity also need to be carefully considered to mitigate potential challenges. Having adequate legal support on both sides can help ensure clarity in roles and expectations, and that the terms of agreements are mutually beneficial.

RELATED RESOURCE: To learn more about health data sharing in CalAIM through ECM and ILOS, explore this road map (PDF) developed by Manatt Health Strategies.