The PA CHW Collaborative’s 2nd Annual PA CHW Rally Day on October 22nd, 2024, was a powerful gathering, uniting over 170 dedicated community health workers (CHWs) and allies from across Pennsylvania for a day of impactful advocacy and celebration. The event highlighted the essential role CHWs play in improving public health, increasing access to care, and reducing health disparities statewide. Rally Day served as a platform for attendees to meet with state legislators to passionately educate them about CHWs’ role and encourage them to visit a CHW Employer in their district(s).

During the Rally, We had a strong speaker lineup featuring Keynote speaker Secretary of PA DHS Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH, House Representatives Dan Frankel and Regina Young, Executive Deputy Secretary at PA DOH Kristen Rodack, MSW, LSW, Chief Impact Officer at The Foundation For Delaware County Joanne Craig, 3 brave CCHWs Brenda, Tony, and Gwen, and our Executive Director David Wiles, CCHW, CHES®. The collaborative spirit was palpable, as CHWs and allies shared their stories, experiences, and challenges directly with decision-makers, bringing visibility to the value they bring to Pennsylvania’s healthcare landscape. With enthusiastic participation, the rally underscored the collective commitment to strengthening healthcare access for all Pennsylvanians. This successful day of advocacy marked an important step forward, advancing policies to support and recognize CHWs as integral partners in health equity and community wellness.

A special thank you to our speakers, the leaders who spent countless hours planning and/or leading the event, and to the over 170 CHWs and Allies who made the time to join us at the Capitol.