WHEREAS, community health workers play an essential role in expanding access to quality health care across Virginia by providing culturally competent and linguistically appropriate health education, outreach, and support services; 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 communities; and

 

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

 

WHEREAS, health care providers, community organizations, government agencies, and community health workers expand access to quality health care and promote health literacy among diverse populations; and

 

WHEREAS, by proclaiming the third week of October as Virginia Community Health Worker Awareness Week in Virginia, we honor the dedication and commitment of more than 300 certified and 1,400 natural community health workers who empower individuals and communities to lead healthier lives;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize October 11-17, 2026, as VIRGINIA COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKER AWARENESS WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.