2025 was a year full of partnership, learning and meaningful moments with the communities we work alongside. From strategic planning and data tools to listening sessions and ride-alongs, our USA Programs team had plenty of chances to connect, collaborate and grow together. Here are ten highlights we’re especially proud of.
1. Presenting at WSPHA and OPHA
We were honored to present at the Washington State Public Health Association (WSPHA) and Oregon Public Health Association (OPHA) conferences, sharing lessons from our virtual course on Building Effective Public Health Programs, findings from our Permanent Supportive Housing evaluation in Whatcom County and strategic planning insights from our work with Marion County Health & Human Services.
It’s always fun to connect in person with partners and peers who care deeply about public health. These gatherings remind us how much we can learn from one another and how strong this community really is.
2. Meeting with Permanent Supportive Housing residents
Spending time with residents of Permanent Supportive Housing this year was deeply humbling. We’re grateful to everyone who trusted us with their stories and helped shape the evaluation through their lived experience.
Their perspectives are what ground this work and keep it focused on what matters most.
As one resident shared:
Stories like this remind us why stable housing is such a critical part of health.
3. Completing Spokane Regional Health District’s strategic plan
Partnering with Spokane Regional Health District on their 2025–2030 strategic plan was a true privilege. They brought together leadership, staff, elected officials and community partners to form a collaborative planning committee and shape the direction of their work.
We were proud to support such an inclusive process and excited to see the strong, community-driven plan that emerged.
Spokane Regional Health District 2025-2030 Strategic Plan
4. Hosting a data walk in Marion County
To help ensure Marion County Health & Human Services’ strategic plan was truly evidence-based and feedback-driven, we hosted a fun and interactive “data walk.” Staff explored key findings on county strengths, challenges, trends and potential priorities at stations set up across four locations.
More than 200 employees participated, sharing ideas, asking thoughtful questions and ranking priorities. Their input directly shaped the plan and made the process both energizing and practical. We can’t wait to see the final plan in action.
5. Completing a Regional Community Health Assessment
Working with the Olympic Community of Health to complete a Regional Community Health Assessment was a meaningful milestone this year. Together, partners across Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap counties built a shared, data-informed picture of regional strengths and needs.
This common foundation helps align efforts and supports more coordinated action. We’re grateful for the collaboration and commitment each partner brought to the process.
6. Launching a dashboard with Northeast Tri County Health District
We’ve absolutely loved continuing our partnership with Northeast Tri County Health District, our longest-standing collaboration. This year, we launched a public data dashboard that brings together their routinely collected program data in one place.
It’s a practical tool that improves transparency, supports decision-making and gives the community real-time insight into the incredible work happening across the district. Seeing it go live felt like a big win for everyone involved.
District Data Dashboards | Northeast Tri County Health District, WA
7. Riding along with East Jefferson CARES
It was an honor to join the East Jefferson CARES team for a ride-along and see their work up close. They support frequent 911 callers and help connect people with the care they need before emergencies happen.
In just one day, we got to witness the CARES team coordinating with families caring for loved ones with dementia, makingd homes safer to prevent falls and even watering plants for someone who couldn’t manage it themselves. Small acts, big impact. It was a powerful reminder that public health often looks like everyday care and compassion.
8. Graduating the first cohort of public health professionals from our virtual course
In 2025, we celebrated graduating the first cohort of our Building Effective Public Health Programs course and kicked off a second cohort. The course helps public health professionals strengthen program design, evaluation and continuous improvement in ways that fit their day-to-day realities.
We’re grateful participants trusted us as partners in their learning and are inspired by how they’re already bringing these tools back to their teams and communities.
9. Releasing the Justice Project Evaluation & Performance Measurement Plan
We were proud to partner with Whatcom County Health and Community Services to release the Justice Project Evaluation & Performance Measurement Plan. Reducing incarceration and improving community safety is an important and often overlooked part of public health.
This effort brought together elected officials, community members with lived experience, law enforcement, prosecutors and defenders, healthcare providers, tribes, behavioral health and substance use counselors and emergency services. It was a true cross-sector collaboration focused on building safer, healthier communities.
Justice Project Evaluation & Performance Measurement Plan
10. Making our voices heard during the legislative session
Showing up for the 2025 legislative session in Olympia was a meaningful moment for our team. We joined partners from across Washington to advocate for strong and sustainable foundational public health services.
It was energizing to stand alongside others doing this work and a good reminder that collective advocacy really does matter. We’re grateful to the Washington Public Health Association for hosting and already looking forward to next year’s session.
