Choose Healthy Life Applauds Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Nikema Williams for Introducing the Health Access Innovation Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during Choose Healthy Life’s Capitol Hill Day at the Dirksen Senate Building in Washington, D.C., U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY) and U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) were recognized for their leadership in introducing the Health Access Innovation Act in the Senate and House of Representatives, respectively. This landmark legislation aims to provide critical funding to community and faith-based organizations working to improve health outcomes in underserved communities.
The Capitol Hill Day event brought together faith leaders, health experts, policymakers, and community advocates to discuss innovative ways of advancing public health through trusted faith-based community institutions. The introduction of the Health Access Innovation Act was celebrated as a pivotal step toward strengthening community-driven health solutions.
“The Health Access Innovation Act is a transformative step in ensuring that trusted community and faith-based organizations like ours can continue engaging the community in wellness programs and connecting individuals to life-saving care," said Rev. Kimberly L. Williams, President & CEO of Choose Healthy Life. "This legislation empowers us all to expand our reach and deepen our impact, and we are profoundly grateful to Senator Gillibrand and Congresswoman Williams for their leadership.
The Health Access Innovation Act proposes a grant program to support faith and community-based organizations that provide health screenings, education, and connections to care. By investing in this established local infrastructure, the legislation will help strengthen community health and ensure more people live healthier lives.
“Far too many New Yorkers are unable to access the health care they need,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in her announcement introducing the bill. “Trusted community and faith-based organizations play a vital role in helping to fill these gaps, providing the services that build healthier communities and helping to address racial disparities in health outcomes. I am proud to lead the Health Access Innovation Act to ensure these institutions have the resources they need to continue doing this critical work.”
“Too many families still struggle to get the care they need in the neighborhoods they call home. The Health Access Innovation Act begins to invest in a key solution to the crisis of access to care, putting resources directly in the hands of faith and community-based organizations that people already know and trust. Whether it is a church that stepped up during the height of COVID-19 or a non-profit that opens its doors to provide routine care, these local leaders are on the frontlines of addressing health disparities. Providing the resources to expand care helps us ensure working families can lead healthier lives–no matter their ZIP code or bank account,” said Congresswoman Williams in her announcement introducing the bill.
The bill in the House was co-led by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-09).
“Community and faith-based organizations know the progress their own neighbors need, because they are already working day-in and day-out to deliver it to them. This new grant funding within our legislation will enable solutions centered in trust, understanding, and an unwavering commitment to creating the best possible health outcomes, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law,” said Congresswoman Clarke.
About Choose Healthy Life:
Choose Healthy Life (CHL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to health services through the Black church by funding, establishing and training a trusted faith-based health navigator to educate, deliver and connect the community to much-needed health services.
For more information, visit choosehealthylife.org.
