Supporting the designation of the week of August 24 through August 28, 2026, as the fourth annual "National Community Health Worker Awareness Week".

Bill Number

H.Res. 1187

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-04-16: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-04-18T02:48:34Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 1187) expresses support for designating the week of August 24 through August 28, 2026, as the fourth annual "National Community Health Worker Awareness Week". It highlights the vital role of community health workers (CHWs)—frontline public health workers trusted by their communities—in improving health access and outcomes.

Key Provisions

• Description of CHWs: Defines CHWs as trusted community members who act as liaisons between health/social services and communities. They perform outreach, education, counseling, advocacy, care coordination, screenings (e.g., blood pressure), and more. Recognizes their diversity, history, 250+ titles (e.g., promotores de salud, aunties), certification in 27 states, and proven effectiveness in areas like maternal health, chronic diseases, and immunizations.
• CHW Networks: Describes these as community-based groups (e.g., associations) focused on workforce development, mentoring, and advocacy, with at least 50% CHW leadership/membership.
• Resolved Actions (non-binding sense of the House):

1. Supports the goals and ideals of the Awareness Week.
2. Recognizes CHWs' contributions to health/social care and communities.
3. Encourages local, state, and federal collaboration to raise awareness.
4. Supports CHWs' efforts to improve community health.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• None. This is a concurrent resolution (non-binding), so it does not amend laws, create mandates, or allocate funds. It only expresses the House's opinion.

Potential Impacts

• Minimal direct effects: Symbolic recognition may boost public awareness and morale for CHWs, potentially aiding recruitment/retention and sustainable funding discussions.
• On citizens: Could indirectly improve health equity in underserved areas by highlighting CHWs' role in reducing barriers to care.
• On government agencies: Encourages (but does not require) collaboration across levels; no budget or policy changes.
• International relations: None.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Community health workers and their networks/associations.
• Underserved communities (e.g., diverse, rural, low-income groups) relying on CHWs.
• Health/social service providers (e.g., clinics, public health systems).
• Government entities at local, state, and federal levels (e.g., health departments).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: None significant; as a simple House resolution, it has no force of law and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature.
• Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by Rep. Ruiz) for CHWs, potentially influencing future funding or policy debates on public health workforces. Promotes awareness without controversy.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25]

Recent Actions

• 2026-04-16: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2026-04-16: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Supporting the designation of the week of August 24 through August 28, 2026, as the fourth annual "National Community Health Worker Awareness Week". — issued 2026-04-16 — PDF (4 pages)