CONGRESSMAN RAUL RUIZ, M.D. INTRODUCES RESOLUTION DESIGNATING OCTOBER AS NATIONAL PROMOTORAS MONTH
Resolution honors the trusted promotoras who bring care to underserved communities
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- On September 24, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) introduced H. Res. 1583 expressing support for the designation of October as National Promotoras Month. This is the first time the resolution has been introduced at the federal level.
Promotoras, sometimes known as community health workers, peer educators, health advocates, patient navigators, and cultural liaisons, are trusted messengers who connect families to the care they need. They serve rural towns, farmworker families, Tribal nations, border communities, and immigrant neighborhoods, delivering health education and prevention in the language and culture of the people they serve.
"As an Emergency Physician, I saw too many patients arrive when it was already too late. Promotoras change that. They knock on doors, speak our language, and earn the trust that keeps families healthy before a crisis hits. This resolution recognizes their work and thanks them for everything they do for our communities," said Congressman Raul Ruiz M.D.
Promotoras help reduce emergency room visits, increase preventive care, and improve management of chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, and heart disease, lowering health care costs for everyone. Yet many remain underrecognized and underpaid, with limited training pathways and support.
The resolution:
Recognizes the essential contributions of promotoras and community health workers to the health of our communities
Acknowledges the need for sustainable funding, workforce development, and fair compensation for the promotora workforce
Encourages federal, state, Tribal, and community partners to invest in and expand promotora-led programs, especially in rural areas
"Promotoras are trusted community leaders whom families turn to for resources, information, and support. They show up during emergencies and celebrations alike, guided by the same deep commitment to provide “servicio de corazón”, service from the heart,” said Maria Lemus, Executive Director, Vision y Compromiso. “We are profoundly grateful to Congressman Ruiz for his leadership in presenting this federal resolution recognizing the vital contributions of Promotoras. Community members, as well as federal and state agencies, rely on Promotoras to advance the health, well-being, and resilience of communities across the country. Designating October as National Promotoras Month honors their leadership and ensures that their work receives the recognition it deserves."
The resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Lou Correa (CA-46), and Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and endorsed by Visión y Compromiso.
The full text of the resolution is availableHERE.