The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the invaluable role that community health workers (CHWs) play in reducing health inequities by increasing knowledge and access to culturally competent health and wellness services within the communities they serve. In 2021, the Illinois General Assembly recognized the importance of CHWs by passing Illinois House Bill 158 and Senate Bill 336, creating the Community Health Worker Certification and Reimbursement Act.

On Thursday, January 27, representatives from Health & Medicine Policy Research Group, Community Memorial Foundation, and Healthy Communities Foundation presented the policy’s implications for the State of Illinois and CHW employers, what policy implementation can look like, and how organizations can get involved during this pivotal moment.

Event resources:

• English presentation slides
• Spanish presentation slides
• CHW Policy Forum Handout
• Illinois CHW Legislation Fact Sheet

Questions? Contact Angela Eastlund at aeastlund@hmprgstage.wpengine.com.