On Thursday, September 17, 2026, the City of Minneapolis took a major step to affirm and bolster the work of public health leaders by presenting an official City Resolution honoring Community Health Workers (CHWs) throughout the city.
Joined by Minneapolis Ward 4 Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw, members of the Minneapolis City Council, public health advocates, and local CHWs, the ceremony highlighted the crucial role CHWs play in closing health equity gaps, navigating complex healthcare systems, and building trust across our diverse neighborhoods.
Rooted in the Community, Essential to Healthcare
Resolutions passed by the City of Minneapolis serve to formally recognize the individuals and movements shaping the safety, health, and vitality of our city. Across Minneapolis, CHWs serve as boots-on-the-ground , trusted advisors, cultural bridges, and tireless advocates for residents in every ward.
Whether connecting families to essential medical services, providing culturally responsive health outreach, or advocating for equitable resources, CHWs are core to the city’s public health infrastructure. Inspired by champions like Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw—herself a former CHW and trailblazer for the CHW profession—this resolution directly honors that dedication, affirming that community-rooted care is vital to a healthier Minneapolis.
Building Momentum for the Profession
This local recognition builds off of the statewide momentum earlier this summer at the State Capitol to City Hall, further cementing the CHW profession as an indispensable part of healthcare and public health strategy at every level of government.
Moving Minneapolis Forward Together
To all the Community Health Workers serving across Minneapolis: Your work changes lives, and your city stands behind you.
The Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance extends its deep gratitude to Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw, the Minneapolis City Council, and local leaders for championing this resolution and recognizing the transformative power of CHWs.
For questions about requesting proclamations through your City Hall or Governor’s Office, please get connected with Vonyee Howard. Vonyee’s experience and expertise will help keep us connected and will help ensure consistency with proclamation wording related to the CHW profession.
Vonyee Howard
Community Health Worker Consultant
Email: [email protected]