WHEREAS, Community Health Workers (CHWs) are public health professionals who promote full and equal access to necessary health and social services by applying their unique understanding of the experiences, languages, and culture of the communities they serve; and

WHEREAS, By serving in a unique role, Community Health Workers work to improve access to health care, connecting people to essential services and reducing health disparities based on race, ethnicity, gender, and class; and

WHEREAS, Community Health Workers provide direct services, including informal counseling and social support, and advocate for individual and community needs; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting for all Rhode Island residents to acknowledge the work of Community Health Workers and their dedication to the neighborhoods and communities they serve; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby proclaims the month of April, 2014, to be "Community Health Workers Month" in the state. We furthermore recognize and thank Rhode Island's Community Health Workers (CHWs) for the important contributions they make toward improving the quality of life for the citizens of our state; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Community Health Worker Association of Rhode Island and Dannie Ritchie, MD, MPH, Director, Community Health Initiatives of Rhode Island.