Pennsylvania AHEC joined Community Health Workers (CHWs) and other CHW allies at the Capitol in Harrisburg on October 17 to advocate for the financial sustainability of CHWs through Medicaid reimbursement. The Rally Day was organized by Pennsylvania’s new CHW Collaborative, a network organizing collaboration, education, and support to advance and sustain CHWs in Pennsylvania’s health care and community-based organizations.
PA AHEC staff helped distribute information about the role and value of CHWs to legislative offices. The rally also featured testimonials on the impact that CHWs have in their communities and the important work they do in breaking down barriers and helping their clients live healthier lives.
Featured speakers included Dr. Debra Bogen, Pennsylvania’s Acting Secretary of Health, and State Rep. Stephen Kinsey (D-Philadelphia). Both are champions of the work that CHWs do and support sustainable funding for CHW services.
Another Rally Day at the Capitol is being planned by the CHW Collaborative in 2024. The CHW Collaborative also is working with Pennsylvania's Medicaid program on a state plan amendment that will permit Pennsylvania Medicaid to pay for CHW services in 2025.