A resolution 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
- S.Res. 334
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S4627)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-21T16:34:56Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 334) aims to express support for designating the week of August 25 through August 29, 2025, as the third annual "National Community Health Worker Awareness Week." It highlights the vital role of community health workers (CHWs)—trusted frontline public health workers who connect communities, especially underserved ones, to health and social services—to raise awareness and encourage their recognition.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes detailed "Whereas" clauses outlining the background and importance of CHWs, followed by a "Resolved" section with four main directives for the Senate:
- Supports the goals and ideals of National Community Health Worker Awareness Week.
- Recognizes the contributions of CHWs to health and social care systems and communities nationwide.
- Encourages collaboration at local, state, and federal levels to increase awareness of CHWs' roles.
- Supports the ongoing work of CHWs in improving community health.
The "Whereas" clauses describe CHWs as:
- Trusted community members who act as liaisons between services and residents.
- A diverse, historic workforce (dating back hundreds of years) with over 250 titles, such as promotores de salud (health promoters) or outreach workers.
- Effective in areas like maternal/child health, chronic disease management, immunizations, and more, with proven return on investment.
- Recognized professionally in 27 states through certification.
- Performing roles including cultural mediation, health education, care coordination, advocacy, outreach, basic screenings (e.g., blood pressure checks), and research participation.
- Supported by networks of community-based organizations focused on workforce development and advocacy.
It also emphasizes the need for sustainable funding to ensure fair wages and better recruitment/retention.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of Senate support rather than enacting enforceable policy.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Encourages federal, state, and local entities to collaborate on awareness efforts, potentially influencing future public health funding or programs without mandating action.
- On citizens: Raises public knowledge of CHWs, which could improve access to culturally competent health services in underserved communities, leading to better health outcomes like reduced barriers to care and increased self-sufficiency.
- On international relations: No direct impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. public health workforce issues.
Overall, impacts are indirect and promotional, fostering greater integration of CHWs into health systems.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Community health workers (CHWs): Directly recognized and supported, potentially boosting their professional visibility, funding opportunities, and morale.
- Underserved communities: Benefit from highlighted services that address health disparities, especially in diverse or rural areas.
- Health and social service organizations: Including clinics, nonprofits, and CHW networks (e.g., associations with at least 50% CHW leadership), which may see enhanced advocacy and collaboration.
- Government levels (local, state, federal): Prompted to promote awareness, with state health departments in the 27 certifying states particularly relevant.
- Cosponsoring senators and broader policymakers: Demonstrates bipartisan interest (introduced by Sen. Wyden with cosponsors from both parties), signaling potential for future legislation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as resolutions like this are advisory and do not require presidential approval or create binding obligations. They align with Congress's power to express policy preferences under Article I but carry no enforcement mechanism.
- Political: Highlights growing recognition of CHWs in public health policy, potentially paving the way for funding bills or expansions in programs like Medicaid. The diverse cosponsors (e.g., from Democratic-leaning states) underscore cross-party support for community-based health initiatives, amid ongoing debates on healthcare equity and workforce shortages. No controversies noted in the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (9)
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S4627)
- 2025-07-23: Introduced in Senate
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)