Dear Chair and Members of the Health and Human Services Committee, I am writing to express our strong support for Senate Bill 981. As the Executive Director of the Virginia Community Health Worker Association and a Certified Promotora de Salud, I believe this bill provides a crucial opportunity to showcase the positive impact and effectiveness of community health workers (CHWs) in improving health outcomes and addressing health disparities in our communities. This bill is a step toward recognizing the value of CHWs and ensuring they (CHWs) are integrated into our healthcare, social services, and community based systems in a meaningful way. It will provide much-needed evidence to support further investment in this workforce, which plays a vital role in building healthier, more connected communities. Additionally, I urge you to consider incorporating greater transparency in government processes related to the recruitment, funding, training, and provision of resources for CHWs. Clear guidelines and accountability will help ensure that these workers have the tools they need to succeed and that communities benefit from the services they provide. Thank you for your time and consideration. We are hopeful that SB981 will pass, as it supports our ongoing efforts to improve health equity in Virginia. Sincerely,