Supporting the Community Health Worker Access Act: Improve Health Outcomes and Reduce Health Spending in Underserved Communities

WHEREAS, More than a quarter of health care spending is associated with preventable diseases, significantly impacting underserved communities; and 

WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health disparities, highlighting the urgent need for effective strategies to address these disparities through trusted community engagement; and 

WHEREAS, Community Health Workers (CHWs), promotor as, and community health representatives (CHRs) have proven to be an effective workforce in bridging health outcome gaps by promoting positive health behaviors and improving access to physical and mental health services; and 

WHEREAS, Studies, including a randomized controlled trial, have demonstrated that CHWs can deliver a return of $2.47 for every dollar invested and potentially save Medicaid $4,200 per beneficiary per year through their services; and 

WHEREAS, The Community Health Worker Access Act proposes to improve Medicare reimbursement for CHW, promotoras, and CHR services, and to support their integration into Medicaid, thereby enhancing their ability to prevent illness, reduce disability, and address social needs through education and referrals; and 

WHEREAS, The proposed Act is supported by over 200 CHW networks, employers, public health organizations, and notable entities such as the National Association for Community Health Workers, Partners in Health, and the American Public Health Association, underscoring the broad consensus on its potential benefits. 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, through this resolution, formally endorses The Community Health Worker Access Act, recognizing its critical role in improving health outcomes, reducing health spending, and addressing health disparities in underserved communities. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP, commits to actively supporting the enactment of The Community Health Worker Access Act by mobilizing its members and leveraging its platforms to advocate for its passage. 

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the NAACP, urges its chapters, members, and affiliates to engage with policymakers, community leaders, and health organizations to promote awareness and support for The Community Health Worker Access Act, facilitating its successful integration into national health policy.