Holding the Weight: Moral Injury, Resilience, and Rest in Community Health Work

This trauma-informed workshop is designed for professionals working in community health settings who are navigating increasing demands, limited resources, and the emotional weight of caring for highly impacted populations. As providers support patients facing housing instability, immigration fear, disproportionate experiences of health and systems, many experience moral injury—the distress that arises when values, ethics, and the realities of care collide. 

This session creates space to name and normalize that experience while offering practical tools for sustainability. Through guided reflection, facilitated dialogue, and creative practices, participants will explore how moral injury and compassion fatigue show up in their work, how personal and professional stress intersect, and how to remain grounded and connected without burning out. 

This workshop centers the reality of community health work – acknowledging both the deep meaning of the work and the weight it carries – while offering tools to support staff well-being, connection, and long-term sustainability. 

As a result of attending this session, participants will: 

• Understand moral injury and its impact in community health settings. 
• Reflect on the emotional toll of serving high-need and diminished populations. 
• Explore strategies for nervous system regulation and emotional resilience. 
• Engage in reflective and creative practices that support clarity and restoration. 
• Identify sustainable ways to care for others while caring for themselves. 

Presented by Dr. Nooshin Valizadeh, Consultant and Instructional Faculty + Artivist.

$50 for CCALAC Members & Affiliates

$100 for non-members