JAMA Network Open Publishes First Large-Scale California CHW/Promotora Capacity Study, 505 Workers Show Significant Gains, Evidence Base for HCAI June 2026 Deadline
Issue
JAMA Network Open published the first rigorous peer-reviewed evaluation of California CHW/Promotora capacity-building (May 2026). The mixed-methods study of 505 CHWs/Promotoras shows significant gains in knowledge, skills, and confidence after structured workforce investment.
This is the evidence base FQHC executives have needed to make the case for sustained CHW workforce investment — particularly important as the HCAI CHW/P/R Advisory Workgroup approaches its June 2026 conclusion and as CHW certification has been paused since November 2023.
Strategic implication:
1 cuts; (3) FQHC CMOs and HR directors should reference this study in board presentations through 2026; (4) advocacy to state legislators ahead of HCAI June 2026 decision should cite this evidence. The study's timing (May 2026) is strategic: it lands just as the workgroup wraps up and ahead of the FY2026-27 budget conference negotiations on workforce.
Key points
- First peer-reviewed CHW/P California capacity study — 505 workers
- Significant gains in knowledge, skills, confidence post-investment
- Evidence base for HCAI June 2026 Workgroup conclusion
- FQHC CMOs/HR: cite in budget + board presentations through 2026
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Part of
- Safety-net workforce and capacity shifts
Community health workers and promotoras
FQHC Talent. (2026, May 8). JAMA Network Open Publishes First Large-Scale California CHW/Promotora Capacity Study, 505 Workers Show Significant Gains, Evidence Base for HCAI June 2026 Deadline. Source: JAMA Network Open. Retrieved October 6, 2026, from https://www.fqhctalent.com/intel/jama-chw-california-capacity-study-may-2026