August 2024: Community Health Worker Appreciation Month

WHEREAS, 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, more than 1720 community health workers who go by dozens of titles serve Michigan residents, helping to prevent and manage chronic conditions, develop healthier lifestyles, improve maternal and child health, increase rates of preventive screenings, and improve access to and use of health care and social services through outreach, enrollment, and patient education; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has recognized community health workers as a priority within their Social Determinants of Health Strategy to support health equity; and,

WHEREAS, effective January 1st, 2024, Medicaid coverage for Michigan beneficiaries has been expanded to include community health worker services, and,

WHEREAS, we encourage state officials, 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 among populations in need; and

WHEREAS, during this month, we honor and thank community health workers who create bridges between health and human service providers and community members;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim August 2024 as Community Health Worker Appreciation Month in Michigan.