2014 Urban Affairs Association Conference

This paper catalogues approaches to ground-level healthcare services by means of using indigenous community resources as well as leveraging the existent healthcare system. This helps alleviate the mismatch between primary care and overburdened public hospitals. The other ‘side-benefit’ is taking hold of public expenditures through making better use of preventative services. Poverty-fighting strategies are pertinent to increasing equity and social justice. In this respect, emerging economies provide a salient backdrop for studying innovative strategies for increasing equity by improving health outcomes. Community health workers are documented to bring a unique value to low-income and marginalized patients struggling with illness. Some of the greatest impacts have been seen among immigrants, the elderly, and working poor. In spite of well-intended policies, tangible disparities remain, and community groups and their health programs can have an impact. The paper evaluates organizations providing community-based healthcare services, facilitating between individuals, families, and system resources.