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Recognizing Community Health Workers day in the City of Saint Paul.
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WHEREAS Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in advancing health equity, improving health outcomes, and strengthening connections between Minnesota’s health systems and the communities they serve; and
WHEREAS CHW's Community Health Workers are trusted public health professionals who often come from the communities they serve work in, building meaningful relationships through shared language, culture, and lived experience while fostering trust, understanding, and belonging; and;
WHEREAS through outreach, education, advocacy, and care coordination and resource navigation, CHWs Community Health Workers help individuals and families access preventive care, manage chronic conditions, and navigate complex health and social service systems, reducing unnecessary emergency room use and connecting and connect people to the right care at the right time; and
WHEREAS Minnesota is a national leader in advancing the Community Health Worker profession through the nation's first statewide post-secondary Community Health Worker Curriculum CHW workforce innovation - it developed the nation’s first statewide post-secondary CHW curriculum, a standardized 16-credit certificate program and established state policy and a federally approved plan in 2008 enabling Medicaid reimbursement for defined Community Health Worker services such as diagnosis-related patient education and care coordination; and
WHEREAS Minnesota continues to advance Community Health Worker workforce development through innovative initiatives,including apprenticeship programs and workforce development efforts that expand access to meaningful career pathways while addressing critical healthcare workforce needs; and such as the state’s CHW Apprenticeship Program, expanding access to career pathways and strengthening the healthcare workforce; and
WHEREAS throughout the City of Saint Paul CHWs Community Health Workers serve in healthcare systems settings, schools, community-based organizations, and public health agencies statewide and neighborhood organizations providing culturally responsive and person-centered care that addresses health disparities and strengthens community well-being reduces disparities and strengthens communities; and
WHEREAS Community Health workers are indispensable partners in the City of Saint Paul's efforts to build healthy neighborhoods, reduce health disparities, support immigrant and refugge communities, improve maternal and child care health outcomes, address behavioral needs and ensure that every resident has the opportunity to thrive regardless of race, ehtnicity, language, income, neighborhood or zip code the dedication of Minnesota’s CHWs has improved access to care, promoted health equity, and advanced community well-being across the state; and
WHEREAS the City of Saint Paul recognizes the invaluable service, compassion, leadership, and dedication of Community Health Workers, whose work improves the health and quality of life of residents across our city every day; and
WHEREAS this day recognizes and celebrates the invaluable service, compassion, leadership and dedication of Community Health Workers whose work improves the health and quality of life of residents across our city everyday commitment of Minnesota’s Community Health Workers to the health and well-being of all residents; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby recognizes July 28th, 2026 as Community Health Workers Day in the City of Saint Paul and encourages all residents to join in honoring the essential contributions of Community Health Workers whose commitment, expertise, and trusted relationships help build a healthier, more equitable, and more connected Saint Paul.