Welcome SEAHEC’s Newest Community Health Workers!

SEAHEC is proud to introduce our newest Community Health Workers (CHWs), Aissa Acuña  and Carolina Cortez, who joined us in January and bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to serving our rural and border communities. Their diverse backgrounds in education, mental health, prevention, and community advocacy make them invaluable additions to our team, strengthening our mission to improve health and well-being through education, outreach, and collaboration.

Aissa Acuña, a Nogales native, has an extensive background in education, program administration, and community leadership. With expertise in trauma-informed care, child safety, and tutoring, Aissa has been actively involved in school and coalition initiatives across Santa Cruz County. Her experience in fundraising and program coordination allows her to foster strong partnerships, securing resources that directly benefit the communities she serves. Passionate about empowering individuals, Aissa has previously worked as an adult educator, helping individuals under the court system gain valuable life skills for reintegration. At SEAHEC, she is eager to continue making a meaningful impact by developing culturally responsive programs that prioritize community health and resilience.

Carolina Cortez, from Safford, Arizona, has dedicated over five years to primary prevention and mental health programs in Graham County and the San Carlos Reservation. With certifications in trauma support and family peer support, she has been instrumental in bridging cultural and linguistic barriers, ensuring that both English and Spanish-speaking populations have access to critical health resources. Carolina’s work in family support, mental health advocacy, and language education has made a lasting impact on the individuals she serves. Her deep commitment to community health and empowerment aligns perfectly with SEAHEC’s mission, and she is excited to continue advocating for underserved populations through her role as a CHW.

We are thrilled to have Aissa and Carolina join our SEAHEC team. Their dedication to improving community health, combined with their leadership and expertise, will undoubtedly enhance our programs and outreach efforts. Please join us in welcoming them as they embark on this journey to strengthen health education, advocacy, and support across the communities we serve!