In the summer of 2023, a new force for social justice emerged in North Central Washington—the Interfaith Justice Coalition. Born out of a shared vision among diverse faith communities, the organization aims to build relationships across differences and advocate for tolerance, empathy, inclusion, nonviolence and open-minded acceptance of all people.

When it comes to advancing health and wellbeing in rural areas where challenges like limited access to care, workforce shortages, and technological limitations persist, advocates like Wendy Brzezny stand out for their commitment to effecting positive change.

In the heart of the Methow Valley in Okanogan County, Washington, something truly extraordinary has been growing over the last 25 years. This vibrant community is home to Room One, a multifaceted social service organization that advocates for the health and well-being of all people living in the Methow Valley.

In the journey towards overcoming addiction, the path to recovery is often layered with challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. One of the most powerful assets on this journey is a strong sense of belonging, a feeling of being part of a community that understands, supports, and uplifts. This is where organizations like the Alano Club play a pivotal role in helping individuals on their road to long term recovery.

Thriving communities are built on the foundation of well-nourished individuals who have access to affordable, nutritious foods. Organizations that provide food distribution services play a key role in ending food insecurities across our region.

Join us at the 2023 Virtual Care Conference where we will explore the key components of implementing virtual care in rural areas, gain actionable insights, forge meaningful connections, and contribute to the advancement of virtual care in rural areas.

We are excited to announce our next chapter, an evolution of our journey as we continue working together toward a future with thriving conditions for all.

“Passion is really key in this area of work,” Oscar Licon-Eusebio said when discussing his new role as Executive Director at the NCW Equity Alliance.

Looking to expand regional access to telehealth, the NCACH Governing Board has earmarked up to $2 million to support building out regional infrastructure and access to this form of health services for communities in North Central Washington.

One of the key activities that NCACH is doing throughout 2022 is hosting or co-sponsoring workshops and skills-based trainings to further expand what our network of organizations can do to improve regional health.

Are you ready to learn new methods, dive into current topics, and connect data with action in boosting what you do to support whole-person health and health equity throughout North Central Washington?

Nine behavioral health interns throughout four sites in North Central Washington are slated to receive funding for their clinical training starting this year, thanks to regional startup of activities from the Workforce Education Investment Act that was passed by the Washington State Legislature in 2021.

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation’s Health and Human Services Department serves the health needs of tribal members and other eligible residents on the Colville Indian Reservation.

The Director of Community Data will be responsible for building productive relationships with data providers and consumers throughout the North Central region.

How would you like the behavioral health system throughout North Central Washington to function? Be part of the “Evolving the Behavioral Health System” workgroup that North Central Accountable Community of Health is hosting during February-June of 2022.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, has approved the state of Washington’s request for a one-year extension to the Medicaid Transformation Project (MTP), carrying the work through all of 2022. 

Vending machines are now operating as a new resource to help promote harm reduction and save lives at sites in Wenatchee and Moses Lake.

Residents of Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties are being invited to share their opinions and needs for telehealth services and other healthcare services in their local area through an online survey being conducted by the North Central Accountable Community of Health.

North Central Accountable Community of Health seeks to support organizations willing to precept, supervise, or train professionals pursuing careers in behavioral health or having a behavioral health component, who need clinical experience in order to complete their education and certification requirements.

With support from Beacon Health Options and the North Central Accountable Community of Health, two naloxone (commonly distributed as Narcan®) vending machines will be funded and placed in Chelan and Grant counties starting Summer 2021. The goal: reducing opioid overdose deaths in the region.