🎉 Celebrating the 2nd Annual National CHW Awareness Week 🎉

 Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and beloved Community Health Workers,

As we gather here today to celebrate the 2nd Annual National CHW Awareness Week, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and admiration for each one of you. This is more than just a week of recognition—this is a moment in history. We are here to honor the dedication, resilience, leadership, and compassion that you, the CHWs, embody every single day.

You are the unsung heroes of our communities. When the world feels heavy, and the challenges seem insurmountable, it is your strength that carries us through. You stand on the front lines, not just as healthcare providers, but as advocates, educators, and trusted confidants. You are the heartbeat of our communities, the lifeline that connects us to health, hope, and healing.

Your work is not easy. The path you walk is often fraught with obstacles and uncertainty, but still, you persevere. Why? Because you understand that the work you do is more than a job—it is a calling. A calling to serve, to uplift, and to transform lives. Your resilience is remarkable, and your compassion is boundless.

As we celebrate this week, I want each of you to take a moment to reflect on the impact you have made. Think of the lives you have touched, the communities you have strengthened, and the barriers you have broken down. You are the roots that anchor us, the leaders who inspire us, and the warriors who protect us.

But our journey does not end here. The world needs your light now more than ever. There are still so many hearts to heal, so many voices to amplify, and so much change to be made. Let this week be a reminder of your power, your purpose, and your potential.

But before you push forward, remember to take care of yourself. As we approach the Labor Day holiday, take a moment for your own self-care. You pour so much into others, but your wellness matters just as much. If you are not well, you will not be well enough to serve others. So take this time to rest, recharge, and renew your spirit. You deserve it, and your community needs you at your best.

Keep pushing forward, for the work you do is vital. Keep shining your light, for it guides us all. And keep believing in the power of your impact, for you are the changemakers, the healers, the leaders of tomorrow.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we can achieve anything. Together, we are unstoppable.

And as we celebrate, I encourage you to share this message with other CHW warriors, ally champions, and everyone who needs to know about the CHW workforce. Let’s spread the word far and wide, so that more people can understand and appreciate the critical role that CHWs play in our communities.

Thank you for your tireless dedication, your unwavering commitment, and your extraordinary contributions.

Happy National CHW Awareness Week!

– Atara Estes, CHW Leadership Development Specialist at IHN and NACHW Board of Directors