Congress Backs 'National Community Health Worker Awareness Week' to Push for Fair Wages and Recognition

This Congressional Resolution officially designates the week of August 25 through August 29, 2025, as the third annual "National Community Health Worker Awareness Week." While a resolution isn't a new law with mandates, it’s Congress making a very public statement about how important Community Health Workers (CHWs) are. Think of it as a formal endorsement of a workforce that often flies under the radar.

The Bridge Builders: Who Are CHWs?

So, what exactly is a CHW? The resolution defines them as trusted members of the community they serve, acting as a crucial link between health and social services and the people who need them. They are the cultural brokers—the people who can explain a complex medical plan to someone in a way that makes sense in their language and cultural context. They go by over 250 titles, like promotores de salud or outreach workers, and they’ve been doing this work for centuries.

Their job description is massive: they coordinate care, provide health education, offer informal counseling, advocate for individuals navigating complicated systems, and even help with basic screenings. For the average person, this means if you’re struggling to manage a chronic condition like diabetes, a CHW might be the one who helps you figure out how to get affordable healthy food and transportation to your appointments, filling the gaps that doctors and nurses often can't.

Why Congress is Paying Attention Now

The resolution highlights that CHWs have proven effectiveness in improving outcomes for things like maternal health and chronic disease management. But the biggest takeaway is the focus on sustainable funding. The resolution explicitly states that sustainable funding is necessary to ensure CHWs receive fair market wages. Why does this matter to you? A stable, fairly paid workforce means less turnover, better quality of service, and more experienced people helping your community stay healthy.

This is Congress essentially saying, 'We see the value, and we need to make sure these workers aren’t just burning out or leaving because they can’t make ends meet.' It encourages federal, state, and local governments to work together to promote awareness and support this mission. While this resolution doesn't cut a check, it provides powerful political leverage for advocates fighting for better state and federal reimbursement models—the kind of models that could finally professionalize the role and ensure the people doing this vital work get paid a living wage.