Community health workers (CHWs) and promotores de salud are playing an increasingly important role in community-based and clinical care settings. This research, supported by the Blue Shield of California Foundation, represents the culmination of the first phase of a two-part project aimed at enhancing California's readiness to integrate CHWs and promotores in the health care delivery system. This brief includes:

• An overview of CHW/promotor definition and scope of work
• The historical context for the emergence of these health professionals
• A snapshot of evidence and impact
• A discussion of state laws and policies that impact CHWs/promotores
• Recommendations for future research, policies and training programs