Community Health Worker Training in Higher Education for Addressing Social Determinants of Health

Objective: The aim of the research was to explore the ways campus-based Wellness Program peer supports, applied learnings from a Community Health Worker Training Program (CHWTP) to address the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) of students. Participants : Fourteen campus-based, embedded peer supports titled Wellbeing Support Coordinators (WBSCs) enrolled in the CHWTP. Methods : WBSCs participated in three focus groups and collected data on peer meetings. Results : Findings indicate that WBSCs applied knowledge and skills learned from the CHWTP to address SDOH among students in myriad ways and in ways that aligned with typical CHW roles and referrals (e.g., social-emotional support and advocacy). CHW training content tailored to the specific needs and challenges of college students was recommended. Conclusions : Embedding CHWs in college campuses could provide the support needed to ensure that universities are equipped to address the SDOH of students.