Prince George’s County Congressional Delegation Announce Nearly $3 Million in Funding for Prince George’s County Community Health Workers

Today, Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.-05) and Anthony Brown (D-Md.-04) announced $2,999,862 to the Prince George’s County Health Department to increase resources and services for Community Health Workers (CHWs) to better respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and combat health care inequities.

“Community Health Workers provide indispensable services to Prince George’s County residents.  That’s why we fought to include funding in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Congress passed last year to support Community Health Workers on the frontlines of this pandemic and their crucial efforts – from serving as reliable messengers on the efficacy of vaccines, to providing on-the-ground support services in mental health, to helping families  facing food insecurity. We are pleased that the Prince George’s County Health Department has been awarded nearly $3 million in funding to scale up resources for Community Health Workers so they can continue providing critical care to Marylanders,” said the lawmakers.

“This investment will strengthen the tools our Community Health Workers have to respond in areas disproportionately impacted by this pandemic which have battled with health disparities for too long. We applaud their commitment to improving the health of Prince Georgians and their families, and we will keep advocating for them and the services they provide,” the lawmakers continued.  

“Community health workers are a crucial component of the Health Department’s mission to protect and promote the health and wellness of every Prince Georgian,” said Prince George’s County Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter. “They are a familiar face and a trusted source for patient care and support. I want to thank Congressman Hoyer and the County’s congressional delegation for this opportunity to strengthen our ability to provide quality health care services to residents, especially during this historic time in public health.”

Community Health Workers are health care personnel who work to reduce health inequities in communities. CHWs have played a critical role in areas that have had severe COVID-19 outbreaks by helping connect residents to essential services and help with the COVID-19 response. This funding announced today is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Community Health Workers for Covid Response and Resilient Communities program.