Challenges and Opportunities of Community Health Workers in Buffalo, NY

Although the United States leads the world in medical research and has the best medical technology available, vast health disparities persist. In cities such as Buffalo, NY, there is another troubling issue – severe racial and economic disparities in health and health care. From diabetes to HIV/AIDS to birth outcomes, there is evidence to support the case that people of color and those living in poverty suffer disproportionately from poor health in contrast to their white and/or more socioeconomically advantaged counterparts.

This report proposes that the attrition of historical roles and responsibilities of communities and families has played a major part in the creation of health disparities in Buffalo. Community Health Workers are a vital part of the workforce and can be used to improve community self‐sufficiency, foster meaningful use of health and social service systems and improve health and well‐being in neighborhoods with complex needs.