BETTER HEALTH TOGETHER
2025
Year in Review
INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW
Uncertainty, inspiration,
and the strength of community
2025 was a year shaped by both uncertainty and inspiration. Across our region, many communities faced growing challenges, from economic pressures to evolving policies that impacted access to care and basic resources. Yet through these challenges, one thing remained clear: the strength of our community lies in how we show up for one another.
Throughout the year, Better Health Together witnessed partners, community members, and organizations stepping forward with compassion, resilience, and determination. From trusted community-based workers connecting individuals to care, to advisory councils with lived experience shaping solutions, the work across our region demonstrated what is possible when communities lead.
As we watched community step up and step in, we began to ask the question “what if our work could help amplify the work we see in community?” For those of you who have been with us for a while, you may remember our work is a Medicaid Demonstration Project. Part of our approach is trying to prove that systems of care that center community are worth supporting, worth investing in, and worth advocating for.
As we reflect on the past year, we are grateful for the many organizations, leaders, and community members who continue to stand alongside us in building a healthier and more connected region.
We know that better health starts together.
OUR MISSION
To radically improve the health of the region through an integrated, anti-racist health system accountable for better health for all in Eastern Washington.
OUR REGION
The Better Health Together service area includes Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Lincoln, and Adams Counties, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, Spokane Tribe of Indians, and Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.
COMMUNITY CARE HUB
What if we could help build a system of care that worked for people, instead of a system that makes people work?
Over the past year, Better Health Together has continued advancing a vision for a more connected system of care through the development of the Community Care Hub.
The Community Care Hub model focuses on connecting individuals with trusted workers at local organizations who can help them navigate services step-by-step—from healthcare and insurance to food, housing, and social supports. The goal is simple: create a system that works for people, rather than one that makes people work to navigate it alone.
In 2025, we focused on expanding the network of community-based care coordination partners that make this model possible. Through a regional Request for Proposals, organizations across Eastern Washington applied to join a growing network of trusted partners committed to connecting people to the right care at the right time.
Interest in the initiative demonstrated the deep commitment of organizations across our region to building a coordinated system of social care. Applications were reviewed by our Board’s Community Care Stewardship Committee, and selected partners were announced in early 2026.
2,698
Total number of referrals into the Community Care Hub in 2025
54
RFP applicants for our Care Coordination RFP, all doing great work in their communities
19
Community-Based Workers (CBWs) funded at 15 partner organizations
2026-27 COMMUNITY CARE HUB PARTNERS
COMMUNITY VOICE
What if we started and centered our work by asking community what they valued?
Across every program and initiative, BHT is grounded in the belief that the people closest to the challenges are closest to the solutions. In 2025, we continued investing in the spaces and structures that make community leadership possible.
Elevating the Workforce
Community-based workers (including Community Health Workers, peer navigators, outreach specialists, and many more) serve as trusted connectors between individuals and the systems designed to support them.
In 2025, BHT’s Community Based Workforce Network continued supporting and elevating this workforce through advocacy, convenings, and regional collaboration. Staff participated in national and regional gatherings including the Northwest Community Health Worker Forum and national CHW conferences, bringing Eastern Washington’s perspectives to broader conversations about the future of the workforce.
We’ve continued growing the network by building relationships with organizations and community-based workers across our region. This year, we’ve also brought in new training opportunities to support community-based workers in their roles, with a focus on practical tools, shared learning, and strengthening connections across the network.
Centering the Voices of Those Most Impacted by Health Disparities
Community voice remains foundational to BHT’s work. Through the Community Voices Council, individuals with lived experience help guide decisions, programs, and policies that affect their communities.
In 2025, community members played a critical role in shaping conversations around health disparities and regional priorities. CVC members brought forward real-time insights on barriers to care, gaps in services, and opportunities for improvement across systems.
Their leadership continues to ensure that solutions are informed by real experiences and that communities most impacted by health inequities are central to decision-making.
Prioritizing Sovereignty in Social Care
In 2025, the Tribal Partners Collaborative helps elevate Indigenous leadership and ensures that regional health initiatives reflect the priorities and cultural perspectives of tribal communities. As a collaborative, they are also moving forward with intention in strengthening relationships and deepening their commitment to collaboration in way of community building.
The last two years of dedicated collaboration, visioning, and the patient work of developing bylaws rooted in Indigenous ways of being have led the TPC to reach a powerful milestone. At their first meeting of the year, they hosted inaugural elections for the Medicine Steward Council—a council created by and for their communities, with care and intention at every step.
This election is more than a procedural achievement; it marks the birth of a new way of working. The Medicine Steward Council embodies the TPC’s shared commitment to health, cultural healing, and community wellbeing across Eastern Washington. It is a testament to what is possible when Indigenous values guide governance, partnerships and community-centered growth.
NAVIGATION SERVICES
What if we could help people find coverage, benefits, and connect them to other care opportunities?
Health Insurance Navigation
BHT’s Navigator Network has been helping community members enroll in and understand their health insurance options since 2013. Since then, the network has grown to include approximately 120 navigators across 30 organizations.
Navigators provide free, trusted assistance to individuals and families during Washington’s annual Open Enrollment period and throughout the year. This year’s Open Enrollment period brought shifting insurance costs, plan changes, and uncertainty for many individuals and families.
In response, our outreach focused on education. Through our “Let’s Map Out Your Health Plan Together” campaign, we moved beyond reminders to help community members understand their options, making it easier to access trusted, local guidance during a complex time.
The Impact
Through coordinated messaging, expanded access points, and trusted partnerships, we connected more individuals and families to the coverage and support they need.
175
appointments scheduled
600+ individuals
connected with Navigator staff by phone or email during Open Enrollment
3000+
flyers, rack cards, and bookmarks distributed to rural communities
30
Navigator Partners
Basic Food Benefits Navigation
In addition to health coverage, navigators help individuals apply for Basic Food benefits and connect to other essential supports. By walking community members through eligibility requirements and application processes, navigators reduce barriers and ensure people can access the resources they need to stay healthy.
COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING
What if we helped direct funding to investing in the organizations that strengthen our communities?
Grant Writing Stipends
In 2025, Better Health Together continued investing in community capacity through the Grant Writing Stipend program. These stipends allow community-based organizations to hire professional grant writers and pursue funding opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
The results have been significant: organizations that utilized the program secured more than $7 million in grant funding during the year. By helping organizations unlock new resources, the program strengthens the entire regional network of services supporting community health.
$300,000
in Grant Writing Stipends
generated
$7 million
in grants awarded to local organizations
65
organizations awarded
$297,609.09
in funds distributed directly to local organizations through community sponsorships
Community Sponsorships
Community-driven events play an important role in building connection, culture, and wellness across Eastern Washington. Through the Community Sponsorship program, BHT provides financial support for events that elevate community voices and promote health and well-being, from local festivals and resource fairs to cultural celebrations.
BHT IN THE COMMUNITY
Showing up across the region
Throughout the year, BHT staff showed up across the region to support partners and connect directly with community members. From Spokane Pride and the Two Spirit Pow Wow to Spokane Summer Parkways, Valleyfest, and Homeless Connect, these events provided opportunities to share resources, listen to community needs, and celebrate the resilience and culture of our region.
These moments of connection remind us that building healthier communities happens not only through programs and systems, but through relationships.
Community is much more than belonging to something; it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter.
-Brian Solis
BETTER TOGETHER
Memorable Moments
Amid a year of change and uncertainty, one of our most meaningful commitments was to each other. We made space for connection, supported one another through challenges, and remained intentional about prioritizing staff wellness. Whether through small, everyday check-ins or dedicated moments to pause and reset, our team continued to show up with care, flexibility, and understanding. These moments not only strengthened our culture, but reminded us that sustaining this work starts with supporting the people behind it.
