How We Make An Impact
An Approach That Works
Community Health Workers Achieve Positive Outcomes
A growing body of literature demonstrates that community health worker interventions and addressing social determinants of health produce positive results and return on investment. Neighborhood Networks’ evidence-based approach results in positive outcomes such as diabetes control, hypertension management, and reductions in emergency department utilization and hospital admissions.
Money Well Spent
Every dollar spent on a community health worker intervention that addresses socioeconomic and behavioral barriers to health among low-income populations resulted in an annual return on investment (ROI) of $2.47 for every dollar invested annually by Medicaid, based on a randomized controlled trial conducted by the University of Pennsylvania.1
$1 Invested = $2.47 ROI
1HEALTH AFFAIRS 39, NO. 2 (2020): 207–213
Social Determinants of Health Addressed by Neighborhood Navigators
Percent of Neighborhood Networks clients identified as high utilizers of healthcare services
Neighborhood Networks Success Stories
Claudia’s Story
Claudia was facing challenges in many aspects of her life. She suffered from significant mental health issues including bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety disorder. Her marriage was failing, and she often had panic attacks. She found it difficult to hold down a job and often lacked enough money for essentials such as food, clothing, and utilities.
Lucia’s Story
Lucia had always valued her independence. She successfully raised a family and worked hard her entire life. But at 82, when Lucia’s health issues—including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, and depression—resulted in multiple hospitalizations and made it difficult for her to live alone, Lucia moved in with her daughter Maria and her family.
Maria’s Story
Maria faced several serious health issues including cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and anemia. Her husband had recently lost his job, resulting in financial hardship. With no car, Maria had difficulty getting to medical appointments, and her apartment needed multiple repairs. These issues weighed heavily on Maria and her mental and physical health worsened.
Neighborhood Networks News
NCQA Social Determinants of Health Resource Guide
This guide supports healthcare organizations and clinicians to design and implement strategies that address social determinants of health (SDOH). The guide features “in-the-field” real-world examples, including Neighborhood Networks.
Could Community Health Workers and Promotores de Salud Help California Respond to COVID-19?
This California Healthcare Foundation blog post highlights the important work of community health workers including Aida Meza, a Neighborhood Networks Navigator.
How to leverage federal dollars to advance equity through community councils
Learn how programs like Neighborhood Networks, which fosters a diverse community-based workforce, offer the opportunity to address structural inequities that were laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Role of Community-Based Organization Networks in CalAIM: Seven Key Considerations
This brief explores the importance of community-based organization (CBO) networks, including Neighborhood Networks, working in collaboration with managed care plans to achieve the goals of (California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal) CalAIM.
