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Whatcom Coalition for Healthy Communities (formerly the Community Health Partnership) first came together in September 1996. We were a unique group of citizens with diverse backgrounds and interests, committed to making a difference in the long-term health and vitality of our community.
Although the goal of improved community health may seem familiar, the path we are taking to reach it is different. "The Coalition is a unique, county-wide effort taking an approach that hasn't been used here before." Said Susan Trimmingham, Leadership Council member. "Our approach is based upon understanding that everyone has a gift to give and that we should build upon the assets of our community rather than focus on the needs. When people take responsibility for their lives and become active participants in the community-building process, everyone benefits."
Early on, Coalition participants agreed that community health is more than just individual health and includes issues such as safety, education, the environment, economy, as well as access to health care and promotion of healthier lifestyles. In the spring of 1997, two community visioning retreats brought together over 150 community members who shared their hopes and concerns about our future. They provided input that formed the foundation of our effort and set priorities for a healthier Whatcom County. Since those early retreats, several thousand people have been involved in a variety of ways in Coalition efforts.
Whatcom Coalition partners with other local efforts and is guided by a Leadership Council. The Leadership Council represents a broad range of community life: educators, government officials, business owners, health care providers, religious leaders, professionals, retirees, community activists, and concerned citizens.
Mission
Collaborating with the community to define opportunities and facilitate action to improve the health of Whatcom County
Goals
- Be a catalyst for community health by convening community partners to define health improvement initiatives.
- Facilitate action by mobilizing community resources.
- Recognize, enhance and promote grass roots healthy community efforts by linking data, resources and people.
- Assess initiatives by measuring health improvement efforts over time. Increase community awareness, participation in and commitment to "healthy community" efforts by engaging people in community-based discussions.
- Develop communication tools inviting community input and feedback.
- Provide a mechanism for sustaining a healthy community over time.
Values
- Commitment to citizenship and involved community members.
- Accountability at the personal and institutional level.
- Respect for differences (cultural, ethnic, and political).
- Reliance on partnerships and collaboration.
- Emphasis on interactive communication and community based action.
- Commitment to prudent use of community resources.
- Use of arts, culture and recreation to support community health improvement efforts.
Vision
Through a visioning process the Coalition facilitated in 1997, six areas emerged that together make up a healthy community: community, health, education, environment, safety and economy. In 2000, the Leadership Council, with help from the Community Counts workgroup developed vision statements to lead us towards a healthier community:
Community: Whatcom County is a place where people participate in the life of the community through such activities as contributing resources, voting and volunteering time.
Health: Everyone in Whatcom County has access to health care and opportunities to maintain and improve their health and well-being.
Environment: Whatcom County is a place with a healthy and sustainable environment where the community serves as responsible stewards of natural resources.
Economy: Whatcom County has a healthy, vibrant economy that provides opportunities for future generations, and balances growth and development with environmental sensitivity and sustainability.
Safety: Whatcom County is a community where people feel safe and are safe in their neighborhoods, homes, roadways and workplaces.
Education: Whatcom County is a community where education opportunities serve the diverse needs of all its members, as well as the community as a whole.
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