WHEREAS, Community Health Workers (CHWs) serve as trusted liaisons between healthcare systems and the communities they represent, playing a pivotal role in expanding access to quality care across Virginia by providing culturally responsive, linguistically appropriate health education, outreach, and compassionate support tailored to the unique needs of individuals and families; and

WHEREAS, community health workers are trusted frontline public health workers who connect communities with health and social systems; and

WHEREAS, through lived experiences and training in mental health and chronic illness, community health workers help improve individuals' and family well-being; and

WHEREAS, Virginia recognizes the significant impact of community health workers in advancing public health initiatives, reducing healthcare costs, and improving health outcomes, particularly among underserved and marginalized populations; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Community Health Worker Awareness Week provides an opportunity to raise public awareness about the invaluable role and contribution that community health workers play in connecting individuals and families to essential healthcare services, resources, and information, ultimately strengthening the fabric of our communities; and

WHEREAS, through efforts led by the Virginia Community Health Worker Association in collaboration with healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies, community health workers in Virginia foster partnerships and initiatives that enhance access to quality healthcare and promote health literacy among diverse populations; and

WHEREAS, by recognizing the third week of October as Virginia Community Health Worker Awareness Week, we honor and celebrate the dedication, compassion, and commitment of our over 350 certified community health workers and more than 1,400 natural community health workers serving communities across the Commonwealth by empowering individuals and communities to lead healthier lives and build a brighter future for all; and

WHEREAS, Virginians are encouraged to recognize the contributions of community health workers in advancing health access and improving the well-being of our communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize October 20–24, 2025, as VIRGINIA COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER AWARENESS WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.