Paige Welling Named South Dakota’s Community Health Worker of the Year
- Steve Jurrens
- May 12
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Codington County Community Services is celebrating one of its own, announcing that Paige Welling has been named South Dakota’s Community Health Worker (CHW) of the Year at the Annual CHW Conference. The award was presented by CHW SD Director Ben May, recognizing Welling’s statewide leadership and the measurable impact of her work.
Welling, a Lake Area Technical College graduate, has become a respected and trusted figure in community health, known for helping individuals navigate housing, healthcare access, education, and trauma-informed support. Community Health Workers play a vital role in connecting people with the services they need, and Welling has distinguished herself as one of the state’s strongest advocates.
“Saying Paige represents the best of the CHW profession is an understatement,” said Sara Foust, Director of Codington County Community Services. “Paige shows compassion, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to lifting people up… We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for the impact she makes every day in our community.”
Welling is a key leader in implementing the Transition to Success Model, training CHWs and partner organizations to deliver effective, trauma‑informed care. Her expertise in housing has helped countless families and individuals find stability, earning her a reputation as a go‑to resource across the region.
Her work has produced life‑changing outcomes. One client she supported from homelessness to stability is now graduating from Lake Area Technical College and beginning a new career — a testament to the long‑term impact of her guidance and advocacy.
Codington County Community Services says Welling “embodies the heart of the CHW profession” and celebrates her for this well‑deserved statewide honor.
