NEW Health Named One of PEOPLE®’s 2026 Companies That Care 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
September 30, 2026 

Media Contact: 
marketing@newhp.org 

NEW Health Named One of PEOPLE®’s 2026 Companies That Care 

National recognition reflects local investment in people, career pathways, and the future of rural healthcare.  

CHEWELAH, Wash. — NEW Health has been named one of  
PEOPLE®’s 2026 Companies That Care, placing the community health  
center among 100 organizations nationwide recognized for their  
commitment to employees, workplace culture, community impact, and  
opportunities for growth. NEW Health ranked No. 96 on the 2026 list. 

CHEWELAH, Wash. — NEW Health has been named one of  
PEOPLE®’s 2026 Companies That Care, placing the community health center among 100 organizations nationwide recognized for their  commitment to employees, workplace culture, community impact, and  opportunities for growth. NEW Health ranked No. 96 on the 2026 list.

For NEW Health, this honor is especially meaningful because the work being recognized begins here at home. For nearly five decades, the organization has worked alongside communities across Stevens, Pend Oreille, and Ferry counties to keep quality healthcare within reach while creating opportunities for local people to learn, grow, and build careers close to home. 

“This recognition is deeply meaningful because these are the communities where I grew up and the place I chose to raise my family,” said Desiree Sweeney, Chief Executive Officer of NEW Health. “I know firsthand that rural communities are strongest when people can access quality healthcare close to home and see a future for themselves here. Investing in education, career pathways, and professional growth is not simply about filling jobs. It is about strengthening the health, stability, and future of the communities we serve.”  

2026 People® Companies That Care logo is a trademark of TI Gotham, Inc., a Dotdash Meredith company. Used under license. 

Growing the Rural Healthcare Workforce from Within 

PEOPLE® highlighted Bridging the Gap, NEW Health’s 10-week paid summer workforce development program. The program introduces participants to healthcare careers through hands-on experience, professional development, and community connections. The 2026 cohort recently completed the program. 

Bridging the Gap is part of NEW Health University, which creates opportunities for students and adults to explore healthcare careers and develop pathways into meaningful employment. This locally focused approach helps address rural workforce shortages while allowing people to envision a future in the communities they already call home. 

The recognition also highlighted the journey of a NEW Health employee who advanced from a janitorial role to a pharmacy technician position. His story reflects a culture that values potential, supports growth, and creates opportunities for employees to build lasting careers. 

 
A Recognition Shared with the Community 

NEW Health provides primary medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services throughout Stevens, Pend Oreille, and Ferry counties. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, its mission is to promote health and wellness within its communities by providing integrated, open-access healthcare for all. 

“Behind this recognition are employees who choose every day to serve with compassion, persistence, and excellence, as well as the patients, partners, schools, employers, and community members who place their trust in NEW Health,” Sweeney said. “This honor belongs to all of them. Together, we are building a healthier and more resilient future for Northeast Washington.” 

The recognition reinforces a message that has guided NEW Health for decades: strong communities and strong healthcare systems go hand in hand. By investing in people, expanding access, and growing the rural workforce from within, NEW Health is helping ensure that quality care remains close to home for generations to come. 

Learn More 

View the full 2026 PEOPLE® Companies That Care list: people.com/100-companies-that-care-list-2026 

Explore careers at NEW Health: newhealth.org/careers 

 
About NEW Health 

NEW Health’s mission is to promote health and wellness within our communities by providing integrated, open-access healthcare for all. NEW Health offers primary medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy services for residents of Stevens, Pend Oreille, and Ferry counties. 

NEW Health locations include Chewelah Medical; Colville Medical and Dental; Lake Spokane Medical and Dental; Loon Lake Medical; Newport Medical and Dental; Selkirk Medical; and Springdale Medical and Dental. 

NEW Health is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 

Bringing healthcare into communities and communities into healthcare since 1978. 

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PEOPLE® is a registered trademark of TI Gotham, Inc., a Dotdash Meredith company. Used under license.