Washington, D.C. -  Today, Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (D-CA), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health and Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Task Force on Health and the Environment, introduced a resolution to recognize the efforts of Community Health Workers, also known as Promotoras de Salud.

“Community Health Workers help low income families connect uninsured children to the health care system, learn how to manage their diabetes, and promote healthy lifestyles.  They have significantly improved the health of medically underserved communities,” said Solis.  “Although Community Health Workers and Promotoras are not often recognized for their extraordinary efforts, they play a key role in our health system for communities of color around the country.” 

Community Health Workers, as described by the Center for Disease and Control, are trusted and respected members of the community who provide information, education, and community-based health-related services to community members. In 2005, there were more than 120,000 Community Health Workers in the United States. Research has proven that Community Health Workers are effective in enrolling eligible but uninsured children into public health insurance programs.

"NCLR applauds this effort to recognize the valuable contributions of community health workers who empower and educate those most disconnected from the health care system," said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza.

The Institute of Medicine’s report, Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care, concluded that Community Health Workers offer promise as a community-based resource to increase racial and ethnic minorities’ access to healthcare and to serve as a liaison between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.  These communities include populations such as uninsured individuals, immigrants, homeless individuals, isolated rural residents, and migrant workers and are Latino, African American, White, Asian and Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native. 

Specifically, the House resolution:

Recognizes the unique work of community health workers in providing access to preventative care and other health services in underserved and health disparity communities; 
 

Recognizes the role of community health workers in supporting and strengthening communities of color, particularly to improve the health behaviors of minority women and children; and 

Encourages our health care system to learn about and support the distinctive role and impact of community health workers to improve the health of all Americans. 
 

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