RECOGNIZING JUNE 9 - 13, 2025, AS "COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT WEEK" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND HONORING THE VITAL ROLE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Pinkney & Rep. K. Johnson & Rep. Kamela Smith

Sens. Hansen, Huxtable, Lockman, Mantzavinos, Sokola, Wilson; Reps. Bolden, Bush, Carson, Morrison, Neal, Osienski

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 100

RECOGNIZING JUNE 9 - 13, 2025, AS "COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT WEEK" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND HONORING THE VITAL ROLE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS.

WHEREAS, community health workers (CHWs) serve as trusted members of the communities they represent, building relationships that improve the delivery of health and social services and advance health equity; and

WHEREAS, CHWs provide culturally appropriate health education, help individuals navigate complex health systems, advocate for underserved populations, and reduce barriers to care by connecting people to medical, behavioral, and social services; and

WHEREAS, as key members of care teams, CHWs are essential partners in addressing social determinants of health and improving outcomes in areas such as maternal and child health, chronic disease management, and mental health; and

WHEREAS, community health workers attend to the full spectrum of needs patients face as a result of the social drivers of health that they face and are key members of the caregiver team for a patient and trusted members of the communities that they serve; and

WHEREAS,

across Delaware, CHWs work with individuals and families to tackle challenges including access to primary care, women’s health, and behavioral health services; and

WHEREAS,

this work takes place in both clinical and community-based settings, from Claymont to Delmar, ensuring a statewide impact on community well-being; and

WHEREAS, the community health model has proven effective in increasing patient engagement and reducing hospital stays by addressing non-medical factors that affect health; and

WHEREAS, research conducted by the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Community Health Workers

shows that for every $1 invested in these programs, there is a return of $2.47 in value; and

WHEREAS, this week provides an opportunity in advocacy and policy efforts to promote initiatives that address social determinants of health, reduce health disparities, and create healthier environments for all community members; and

WHEREAS, by recognizing Community Health Improvement Week, Delaware affirms its commitment to building systems that support healthy living, advancing health equity, and fostering environments that support well-being for all community members, regardless of background or circumstance; and

WHEREAS, Community Health Improvement Week also serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to take proactive steps in creating environments that prevent disease, support healthy lifestyles, and enhance quality of life; and

WHEREAS,

the American Hospital Association and the Association for Community Health Improvement thereby designate the week of June 9 - 13, 2025, as “Community Health Improvement Week” to highlight the work of individuals and organizations improving health in their communities.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153

rd

General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the week of June 9 through 13, 2025, is recognized as “Community Health Improvement Week” in the State of Delaware.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that community health workers are recognized for the positive health outcomes that result from their critical and valuable work as trusted members of the communities they serve.

SYNOPSIS

This Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizes the importance of community health workers as well as “Community Health Improvement Week” in the State of Delaware.

Author: Senator Pinkney