SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. February 23, 2026 – San Juan County and Northwest Regional Council are offering a free six-week course for unpaid family caregivers of San Juan County. This course, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, is an evidenced-based, self-care educational program for family caregivers. This will be in-person course on Orcas Island available to San Juan County residents who would like to participate.
The course will be offered:
- Orcas Island: Tuesdays 10 to 11:30 a.m. beginning March 3 at the Orcas Senior Center (62 Henry Rd., Eastsound, WA 98245).
Caring for a family member or friend with a chronic condition can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an opportunity to develop a wealth of self-care tools including: reducing personal stress, changing negative self-talk, communication your needs, dealing with challenging situations, making tough caregiving decisions, solving problems, and setting goals.
“There was a common bond,” said a Powerful Tools for Caregivers class participant. “We were all dealing with some of the same issues. We shared our stories and learned ways to cope. I learned that it was important to take care of me.”
For more information about this free course or to sign up, please contact:
- Heidi Bruce, Aging and Family Case Coordinator, at 360-370-0591 or heidib@sanjuancountywa.gov.
This current class series will be taught in English. Spanish language speakers are encouraged to contact Heidi Bruce at 360-370-0591 or heidib@sanjuancountywa.gov for multi-lingual support for unpaid family caregivers.
Media Contact:
Kyra Jahanfar, Program Coordinator, kyrak@sanjuancountywa.gov, 360-370-7502
About San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services
San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services is responsible for community and environmental health, mental health and substance abuse programs, senior services, affordable housing projects, and more. The department has staff and offices on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1777/Health-Community-Services.
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Note to Editor: Please share that readers may find ongoing information about this project by visiting the Senior Services webpage at https://sanjuancountywa.gov/429/Senior-Services.