Delegate Bagnall advocates for House Bill 871 to strengthen community health worker support

The Health and Government Operations Committee of the Maryland General Assembly convened on February 26, 2025, to discuss House Bill 871, which aims to enhance support for community health workers (CHWs) and their partnerships with community-based organizations (CBOs). Delegate Heather Bagnall, representing District 33 in Anne Arundel County, expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing the critical role CHWs play in addressing public health disparities and connecting underserved communities with essential health services.

Bagnall highlighted that CHWs are often underappreciated despite their significant contributions to the healthcare system. They facilitate access to various services, including preventative care, mental health support, and education, particularly in communities facing health inequities. House Bill 871 seeks to formalize the financial support for CHWs by clarifying eligibility for community benefit funding for CBOs and establishing a framework for partnerships between hospitals and these organizations.

The bill outlines several requirements for these partnerships, including accountability for patient health outcomes and criteria for measuring the impact of collaborations. Bagnall noted that while nonprofit hospitals are already mandated to fund community benefit initiatives, CBOs are frequently overlooked as potential recipients. By providing a structured partnership framework, the bill aims to ensure that community benefit funding effectively reaches those in need, ultimately improving health outcomes.

Ashley Willard, co-chair of the Community Health Workers Empowerment Coalition of Maryland, also voiced support for the bill, stressing the need for sustainable funding to retain CHWs in the workforce. She pointed out that many CHWs leave due to reliance on short-term grants. Willard emphasized that House Bill 871 allows hospitals to invest in CHW collaborations as part of their community benefit expenditures, which could lead to better health outcomes and cost savings for the state.

The committee heard testimonies from CHWs who shared personal experiences illustrating the challenges faced by individuals in accessing healthcare. They underscored the importance of building trust within communities and the need for fair compensation and benefits for CHWs to ensure a sustainable workforce.

In conclusion, House Bill 871 represents a significant step toward strengthening Maryland's healthcare framework by supporting CHWs and fostering collaboration with CBOs. The committee is expected to review the bill further, with discussions ongoing regarding amendments to address concerns raised by stakeholders, including the Maryland Hospital Association.