Resources for Community Health Workers

The resources on this page are designed to help community health workers (CHWs) bring science-based, easy-to-understand information on heart health to community members in an engaging way.  These heart health toolkits are tailored for several different ethnic communities.  

About the Materials

• Comprehensive and evidence-based. The materials are based on data from the National Heart Lung and Blood Insititue's decades of research on effective approaches to preventing and controlling heart disease risk factors and to promoting heart-healthy behaviors.
• Great for adult education. The format of these materials is based on research about how adults learn. The materials have activities that get people to work with and motivate each other. All the information and activities build on each person’s life experiences, creating an open environment where everyone can teach, share, and learn.
• Culturally appropriate. The materials showcase each community’s ways of engaging in physical activity, heart-healthy eating, food preparation, and overall wellness.
• Flexible. CHWs may use one or more sets of the materials or may combine them in a way that best addresses their community’s unique needs.

Who Can Use the Materials?

The materials can be used by trained CHWs and other health professionals (such as dietitians, nurses, or health educators).

CHW Manuals

The heart health manuals are designed for minority and underserved communities in need. Each manual contains culturally appropriate and user-friendly information on heart disease risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight/obesity, diabetes, and physical inactivity) and lifestyle choices for healthy living.

The companion picture cards include colorful illustrations and talking points to reinforce key heart health messages. Handouts included in each session can be used to teach group education classes or for individual patient education.

These teaching tools can be used to train CHWs, conduct community education classes, or work with a health care team to educate and help community members reduce their risk factors for heart disease.