S. 2825

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to faith- or community-based organizations to address persistent health inequities and chronic disease challenges.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES · September 16, 2025 · Sponsor: Mrs. Gillibrand · Committee: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Table of contents

• S. 2825
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Health Equity Innovation Grant Program

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Health Access Innovation Act of 2025.

SEC. 2. Health Equity Innovation Grant Program

• Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act () is amended by adding at the end the following: 42 U.S.C. 280g et seq.
  • (a) In general
    • The Secretary may award grants to eligible entities to expand access to culturally and linguistically appropriate care, encourage innovation, and address persistent health inequities and chronic disease challenges, including by—
      • paying the costs of necessary medical services, health screenings, tests, and other preventive services;
      • expanding access to care, such as by—
        • expanding access to health care and public health services;
        • expanding the diversity of types of health workers;
        • expanding the availability of culturally and linguistically appropriate services; and
        • addressing other social determinants of health and barriers to receiving timely and quality care;
      • supporting—
        • community health navigators;
        • community health workers (also known as ); promotores de salud
        • peer support specialists;
        • community health representatives; and
        • other health care professionals, including those who work with faith- or community-based organizations as trusted messengers with lived experiences to support access and connection to care;
      • expanding the capacity of the eligible entity; and
      • carrying out other programs that address social determinants of health.
  • (b) Eligible entities
    • To be eligible for a grant under this section, an entity shall be a faith- or community-based organization that—
      • has demonstrated an ability to address chronic health disparities and health conditions in communities disproportionately affected by such disparities and conditions; and
      • is located in a medically underserved community or a designated health professional shortage area.
  • (c) Priority
    • In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that established or operated one or more health workforce or health care access programs during a public health emergency.
  • (d) Community-Based organization defined
    • In this section, the term community-based organization has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
  • (e) Authorization of appropriations
    • (1) In general
      • There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section—
        • $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
        • $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
        • $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2028;
        • $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2029; and
        • $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2030.
    • (2) Administrative costs
      • Of the funds appropriated to carry out this section, not more than 5 percent may be used by the Secretary for the administrative costs of carrying out this section.