August 2019: Community Health Worker Appreciation Month

WHEREAS, we recognize reaching at-risk, under resourced, or underserved communities is vital to improving the health of our state’s most vulnerable populations; and,

 

WHEREAS, Community Health Workers impact the health of urban and rural communities by building trusting relationships with residents and connecting residents to needed health and human service systems; and,

 

WHEREAS, Community Health Workers are essential to our state’s commitment to address inequitable distribution of health care and health outcomes based on income level, race/ethnicity, geography, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and cultural background; and,

 

WHEREAS, more than 600 Community Health Workers serve Michigan residents, helping  to connect them to services and programs to prevent and manage chronic conditions, develop healthier lifestyles, improve maternal and child health, increase rates of preventive screenings, and increase health literacy, as well as improve access to and use of health care and social services through outreach, enrollment, and patient education; and,

 

WHEREAS, during this month, we honor and thank Community Health Workers who create bridges from health care and human service providers to community members; and,

 

WHEREAS, we join with our 37 community partners and more than 900 participants to encourage state officials, health care payors, Michigan communities, and health and human service delivery agencies to participate with the Michigan Community Health Worker Alliance and its partners to honor and recognize the vital impact Community Health Workers have in Michigan and the role they play as a professional workforce in the delivery of health and social services;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim August 2019 as Community Health Worker Appreciation Month in Michigan.