Celebrating Community Health Workers

This week, August 25–29, 2025, we join communities across the nation in celebrating the third annual National Community Health Worker Awareness Week (NCHWAW). We honor the incredible commitment of all those who are in frontline public health roles and their significant impacts in social services, health care, and beyond. 

At North Sound Community Hub, we are proud to partner with 24 CHWs through our contracted care coordination organizations. Their knowledge, compassion, and responsive support to our communities allow voices to be heard and improve systems of care for all. 

One of them is Kristena Sheldon, Care Coordinator at North County CARES, who believes that no one should feel alone when seeking help. 

“I love the outcome-based nature of the program, so we are not just going to people and handing them a piece of paper with phone numbers on it,” she explained. “We’re really able to walk with them through the process and make sure their needs are actually met.”

She recalled a client experiencing isolation but was hesitant to visit the senior center on their own. Rather than only offering information, she personally accompanied them, turning a referral into an opportunity for belonging.

“Community health workers are people who strongly identify with their community and have lived experience with the same struggles that our clients are going through, and are able to make connections that maybe other providers are not able to,” she added.

(from left) North County CARES Program Supervisor Brian Price, and Care Coordinators Michael Golder and Kristena Sheldon with North Sound ACH Chief Transformation Officer Arlesia Bailey.

In recognition of this essential workforce and network of partners, North Sound Community Hub is hosting the Community-Based Worker (CBW) Conference on October 3, 2025, at the Mount Vernon Library Commons. This gathering will strengthen the collective efforts of CHWs, promotores de salud, doulas, and others who play a vital role in advancing health and well-being across our region.

📅 For more event details and registration, visit northsoundach.org/2025-cbw-gathering.