Eighty percent of health outcomes are shaped by social drivers, not just clinical care. But too often, investments overlook community-based solutions that prioritize gaps in trust, access, and care. In this NationSwell virtual roundtable, we’ll explore how cross-sector leaders can elevate, resource, and integrate the approaches communities already trust – building a stronger, more human-centered health system in the process.

On October 14, NationSwell hosted a candid virtual conversation on the journey toward health equity: how to identify and support proven, underinvested solutions – such as Community Health Workers; how to invest effectively in the social determinants of health; and ways to strengthen your impact through practical strategies, peer-tested insights, and emerging norms.

Some of the most salient insights from the discussion appear below:

Key takeaways

Invest in the workforce that builds trust where systems cannot. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are essential to closing care gaps in rural and underserved areas. Their deep community ties, cultural fluency, and lived experience make them uniquely equipped to connect people to care. 

Offer sustained funding for CHWs. Grants are part of the solution, as is Medicaid reimbursement; but for communities to truly thrive with help from CHWs, we need to start integrating CHWs into public health solutions that are sustainably funded. First port of call: Connect with your local CHW networks and support their work on this mission.

Keep care rooted in the community, not clinic-bound. As healthcare systems integrate CHWs, maintaining their proximity to communities—not just clinical settings—protects the authenticity that makes their work effective. Additionally, the human connection CHWs provide ensures that technology and convenience don’t replace trust and understanding. Over-medicalizing their role risks diluting the very trust and creativity that make their work transformative.

Pair digital literacy with inclusion. From patients and caregivers to CHWs themselves, digital literacy determines whether emerging health tools close gaps or widen them. Building confidence, access, and comfort with digital health platforms is essential to realizing the promise of tech-enabled care.

Care for the workers. CHWs often absorb community trauma and carry the emotional weight of their work, all while navigating precarious pay and limited protections as a predominantly female workforce. Sustaining this workforce requires mental health support, fair compensation, and respect for their labor.

Let lived experience lead policy and partnership. CHWs bring generational wisdom and firsthand knowledge that should inform every level of system design—from funding to regulation. Creating spaces where CHWs co-lead with clinical and policy leaders ensures decisions reflect reality, not assumption.

Lean into urgent needs that CHWs are uniquely positioned to address. The aging population brings strain on “sandwich generation” caregivers, the need to create “hospital at home”, and a social connection crisis for older Americans. CHWs are uniquely able to support

Build a common table for collective progress. Advancing health equity demands cross-sector collaboration grounded in shared definitions and mutual respect. When CHWs shape the future of their profession alongside healthcare, corporate, and policy partners, we build not just better programs—but the health system the world needs next.