As we continue to measure the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Michigan’s governor is proclaiming August to be Community Health Worker Appreciation Month.
Today, Governor Whitmer issued a proclamation making August of 2020 as Community Health Worker Appreciation Month across Michigan and is encouraging Michigan residents from all over the state to take the opportunity to thank the community health workers who have worked tirelessly to fight COVID-19 since late winter.
In making the proclamation, Gov. Whitmer says, “Community health workers have risen to the occasion to protect Michigan residents and battle COVID-19,” and adds, “We are grateful for community health workers who continue to work hard to provide health services to communities across the state. I encourage each and everyone of us to show our appreciation to community health workers by taking steps to make their jobs easier by washing our hands frequently, practicing social distancing, and wearing a mask.”
The governor adds that COVID-19 has shed a light on the inequalities felt by communities of color. While African Americans represent 13.6-percent of Michigan’s population, they represent a staggering 40-percent of the deaths from COVID-19. Community health workers are vital to reaching under-served areas to help promote and protect the health and well-being of their communities.
Community health workers serve in all regions of the state to help prevent and manage chronic conditions, develop healthy lifestyles, improve maternal and child health, and improve rates of preventative screenings. They effectively deliver health and social services to under-served communities across Michigan through outreach, enrollment and patient education.
To view the governor’s proclamation, click the link below:
