October 20, 2026
The 4th Annual PA Community Health Worker (CHW) Recognition Day brings CHWs, supervisors, partners, and allies from across Pennsylvania together at the State Capitol to celebrate the CHW workforce, elevate the impact of CHWs in communities across the Commonwealth, and connect with policymakers.
This is a FREE, educational, non-lobbying event for Pennsylvania Community Health Workers and CHW allies.
2026 Theme
Invest Where Health Happens.
Event Schedule
Event Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Event Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Educational Legislator Meetings: Educational meetings with state legislators will take place throughout the day for attendees who have scheduled meetings.
Morning Gathering Location: Temple University Harrisburg – 234 Strawberry St., Harrisburg, PA 17101
Morning Gathering Time: 9:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Press Event Time: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Press Event Location: Main Rotunda, Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex – 501 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, PA 17120
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 2, 2026, to be considered for a Recognition Day T-shirt. T-shirts are available while supplies last.
Event Description
This is an educational, non-lobbying event. (See https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/lobbying for more information on the definition of lobbying.)
Join us for the 4th Annual PA CHW Recognition Day on Tuesday, October 20, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The day will begin at Temple University Harrisburg with check-in, breakfast, networking, preparation, and opportunities to connect with CHWs, supervisors, allies, and partners from across Pennsylvania. Attendees will then make their way to the Pennsylvania State Capitol for the statewide Recognition Day Press Event in the Main Rotunda.
Throughout the day, attendees may also participate in educational lawmaker meetings, volunteer at the PACHW information table, help deliver CHW information to legislative offices, and take part in other Recognition Day activities.
Following the press event, attendees are encouraged to remain in the Main Rotunda for our annual statewide CHW group photo. Lunch vouchers will be provided for use at the Capitol Cafeteria.
We are also pleased to welcome Valerie Arkoosh, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, as a keynote speaker during the Recognition Day Press Event. The program will also feature Community Health Workers and legislative leaders.
Comfortable shoes are strongly encouraged, as attendees may spend a significant portion of the day walking or standing.
Register by Friday, October 2 to be considered for a Recognition Day T-shirt. T-shirts are available while supplies last.
Prepare for Recognition Day
To help attendees prepare for October 20, PACHW has developed additional resources and training opportunities
2026 Recognition Day Event Information Guide
Review the complete day-of guide for the full schedule, parking information, attire, food, accessibility, Capitol navigation, volunteer opportunities, and other important event details.
Legislative Outreach Toolkit
Interested in meeting with your state representative or senator during Recognition Day?
Use PACHW’s Lawmaker Outreach Toolkit for step-by-step guidance on identifying your lawmakers, conducting outreach, requesting a meeting, preparing for the conversation, and following up afterward.
If you plan to contact a lawmaker—and again once a meeting is confirmed—please notify David Wiles at david.wiles@pachw.org so PACHW can help coordinate attendees, avoid duplicate outreach, and maintain the Recognition Day meeting schedule.
Recognition Day Advocacy Trainings
In partnership with Allies for Children, PACHW will offer two virtual sessions to help attendees prepare for lawmaker engagement.
Advocacy 101 for Community Health Workers: Your Voice, Your Story, Your Impact
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM | Virtual
A high-level introduction to advocacy and engaging with legislators, including what to expect and how to effectively share your message.
Advocacy in Action: Preparing for Legislative Meetings and Telling Your Story
Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM | Virtual
A hands-on session for attendees preparing to meet with lawmakers, focused on refining your message, telling your story, and preparing for the conversation.
Recognition Day Final Prep Call
Friday, October 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM | Virtual
All registered attendees are encouraged to join our final Recognition Day prep call. We will review arrival information, the event schedule, Capitol navigation, volunteer roles, and answer last-minute questions.
The meeting invitation will be shared with registered attendees.