HCR 146

                SPONSOR:
                Rep. Kamela Smith & Rep. K. Johnson & Sen. Pinkney
                Reps. Berry, Bolden, Bush, Carson, Jones Giltner, Morrison, Osienski, Snyder-Hall; Sens. Hansen, Hocker, Hoffner, Mantzavinos, Sokola
        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
        153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY
        HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 146
        RECOGNIZING JUNE 8 THROUGH 12, 2026, AS "COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT WEEK" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND HONORING THE VITAL ROLE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS.
        WHEREAS, community health workers (CHWs) serve as trusted members of the communities they represent, building relationships that improve the delivery of health and social services and advance health equity; and
        WHEREAS, CHWs provide culturally appropriate health education, help individuals navigate complex health systems, advocate for underserved populations, and reduce barriers to care by connecting people to medical, behavioral, and social services; and
        WHEREAS, as key members of care teams, CHWs are essential partners in addressing social determinants of health and improving outcomes in areas such as maternal and child health, chronic disease management, and mental health; and
        WHEREAS,
        CHWs address the full range of social drivers of health impacting patients and serve as integral members of coordinated care teams while remaining deeply rooted in the communities they serve; and
        WHEREAS,
        across Delaware, CHWs work with individuals and families to tackle challenges including access to primary care, women’s health, and behavioral health services; and
        WHEREAS,
        this work takes place in both clinical and community-based settings, from Claymont to Delmar, ensuring a statewide impact on community well-being; and
        WHEREAS, the community health model has proven effective in increasing patient engagement and reducing hospital stays by addressing non-medical factors that affect health; and
        WHEREAS, research conducted by the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Community Health Workers
        shows that for every $1 invested in these programs, there is a return of $2.47 in value; and
        WHEREAS, “Community Health Improvement Week,” led by the American Hospital Association and the Association for Community Health Improvement, highlights collaborative efforts to improve community health and well-being and to advance health equity nationwide; and
        WHEREAS, this week provides an opportunity in advocacy and policy efforts to promote initiatives that address social determinants of health, reduce health disparities, and create healthier environments for all community members; and
        WHEREAS, by recognizing Community Health Improvement Week, Delaware affirms its commitment to building systems that support healthy living, advancing health equity, and fostering environments that support well-being for all community members, regardless of background or circumstance; and
        WHEREAS, Community Health Improvement Week also serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to take proactive steps in creating environments that prevent disease, support healthy lifestyles, and enhance quality of life; and
        WHEREAS
        , the week of June 8 through 12, 2026, is designated as “Community Health Improvement Week” to recognize the critical contributions of community health workers and community health initiatives across the country.
        NOW, THEREFORE:
        BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 153
          rd
         General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that the week of June 8 through 12, 2026, is recognized as “Community Health Improvement Week” in the State of Delaware.
        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that community health workers are recognized for the positive health outcomes that result from their critical and valuable work as trusted members of the communities they serve.
        SYNOPSIS
        This House Concurrent Resolution recognizes June 8 through 12, 2026, as “Community Health Improvement Week” in the State of Delaware and honors the essential role of community health workers in advancing health equity, improving health outcomes, and strengthening communities across the State.