Support Community Health Worker bill currently in the Arizona Legislature

Community Health Worker bill (HB 2324) is currently in the Arizona Legislature. 

Community Health Workers (CHWs) work in marginalized and medically under-served communities throughout Arizona, and they improve the cultural competency and cost-effectiveness of health services while improving health outcomes through clinical linkage, outreach, education and advocacy. This infographic describes what CHWs are and how they contribute to our health system. 

Here is a short history of our legislative journey over the last few years. The Arizona Community Health Worker Association (AzCHOW) has built a broad base of support throughout Arizona that is committed to elevating the CHW Workforce. 

The CHW Voluntary Certification Bill was unanimously passed by the House Health Committee a few weeks ago, and we are waiting for it to be heard by the full House. If is passes the House, it will move to the Senate. You can help out by contacting your representatives in the Arizona Legislature and letting them know you support HB 2324 Voluntary Certification for Community Health Workers. 

Last year, a similar bill passed the House of Representatives but stalled and eventually died in the Senate. We need to show our legislators, particularly those in the Senate, that HB 2324 is an important way to improve our health system, increase the recognition of this vital workforce, and support better health outcomes for marginalized populations. 

Here is a message you can adapt and send to their Representatives in the House: 

In the subject line, note that you are writing about HB2324; Voluntary Certification for Community Health Workers.    

“I am writing in support of HB2324 community health workers; voluntary certification.  I strongly support a voluntary certification process.  It will ensure the integrity of the workforce for both CHW employers and the patients that they serve.  Community Health Workers who have been voluntarily certified will have the skills and competencies that are associated with positive health outcome of patients and cost savings for health providers and insurance plans.   We are excited as this bill moves forward with the broad unanimous support of the House health Committee.   I urge you to support HB2324.

To find out who your Representative is, first find your district: https://azredistricting.org/districtlocator/

Then use that district to look up your legislators: https://www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster/