Supporting the designation of the week of August 25 through August 29, 2025, as the third annual "National Community Health Worker Awareness Week".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 607
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T21:58:59Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H. Res. 607
Purpose
This House Resolution expresses support for designating the week of August 25 through August 29, 2025, as the third annual "National Community Health Worker Awareness Week." It aims to recognize the vital role of community health workers (CHWs)—frontline public health professionals who build trust within communities to connect people to health and social services, improve access to care, and promote overall well-being.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes detailed "whereas" clauses outlining the background and importance of CHWs, followed by four main resolved actions by the House of Representatives:
- Supports the goals and ideals of National Community Health Worker Awareness Week.
- Recognizes CHWs' contributions to health and social care systems and communities nationwide.
- Encourages collaboration among local, state, and federal levels to raise awareness of CHWs' roles.
- Supports CHWs' efforts to enhance community health across the United States.
The "whereas" clauses describe CHWs as:
- Trusted community members who act as liaisons between services and residents.
- A workforce certified in 27 states, with over 250 titles (e.g., promotores de salud, outreach workers).
- Diverse and historic, addressing barriers in underserved areas through roles like education, advocacy, care coordination, screenings, and outreach.
- Proven effective in areas such as maternal health, chronic disease management, immunizations, and HIV care, with evidence of cost savings.
- Supported by networks of community-based organizations focused on workforce development and advocacy.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution and introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of congressional support rather than enacting new legal requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May encourage federal, state, and local agencies to promote CHW awareness through events, funding discussions, or partnerships, potentially leading to better integration of CHWs into public health programs without mandating action.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of CHWs, which could improve access to culturally sensitive health services in underserved communities, fostering greater health equity and self-sufficiency.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. public health workforce recognition.
Overall, the effects are primarily educational and promotional, highlighting CHWs to support sustainable funding, fair wages, and recruitment without enforceable outcomes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Community Health Workers: Directly recognized and supported, potentially boosting their professional visibility, morale, and opportunities for certification and funding.
- Underserved Communities: Benefit from increased emphasis on CHWs who address health disparities through outreach and advocacy.
- Health and Social Service Providers: Encouraged to collaborate with CHWs for better service delivery, cultural competence, and reduced barriers to care.
- Government Entities: Local, state, and federal agencies (e.g., those involved in public health) may engage in awareness efforts.
- Community Organizations and Networks: CHW associations and coalitions gain validation for their workforce development and advocacy work.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature; it binds only the House of Representatives symbolically.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express policy views under Article I, without infringing on individual rights or federalism principles.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) for investing in public health infrastructure, potentially influencing future legislation on workforce funding or health equity. It underscores the value of diverse, community-based roles in addressing national health challenges, but remains non-partisan in tone.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (10)
Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-39], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-07-23: Submitted in House
- 2025-07-23: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of the week of August 25 through August 29, 2025, as the third annual "National Community Health Worker Awareness Week". — issued 2025-07-23 — PDF (4 pages)