Our Community Health Needs Assessments guide our investments. Conducted every three years in partnership with local communities, these tools assist us in identifying and addressing community needs and gaps in resources. This allows PeaceHealth to maximize our impact and target our investments where they will make the most lasting change.

We partner with Healthy Whatcom (www.healthywhatcom.org) to survey the community every three years. Healthy Whatcom coordinates the survey in conjunction with local nonprofits and community health agencies. Together, members assess key health indicators, set priorities and plan actions. 

Healthy Whatcom identified three priority areas for child and family well-being:

1. Investing in child and youth mental health to build resilience.
2. Creating a strong foundation through early learning and childcare.
3. Increasing stability by providing housing for families and children.

These priorities address well-documented community needs and require collective action. The final plans will focus on racial equity and measurable health improvements.

This assessment also highlights where equity and access improvements are most needed to enhance overall health.

Our vision at PeaceHealth is that our communities and everyone within them lives their best lives. This means targeting efforts to aid in health justice, equity, access, care and community impact. We are committed to strong community-built plans that measure progress and evaluate our impact towards those results.

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Community Health Improvement Plan