PHPDA invited historic Pacific Tower and grant partner organizations to campus in early August, continuing an effective partnership in our region’s health equity work. Our very special historic partners came together in community to help build the beautiful mosaic commemorating PHPDA’s 40th Anniversary. Hosted by the Cross Cultural Health Care Program (CCHCP), we highlighted our building, our mission, and our people.
“It’s so exciting to be part of the creation of the mosaic that will help commemorate the 40th anniversary of the PHPDA! Creating this mosaic together with organizations that that are part of the PHPDA family is symbolic of the collaboration fostered by the PHPDA across our community to help achieve greater health equity. At the Cross Cultural Health Care Program we are honored to be part of this team!
– Paulina Bendaña, CCHCP Executive Director
The following organizations sifted through mosaic tiles and created their unique templates to be displayed in the Pacific Tower for years to come:
Cross Cultural Health Care Program (CCHCP): In the 1970s, the Pacific Hospital housed the original Indochinese Language Bank as a part of Pacific Medical Centers (before being renamed as the PHPDA). The interpreter program became the Community Health Interpretation Service and eventually named the Cross Cultural Health Care Program in 1992. CCHCP formed as an independent 501(c)3 organization in 2002, separate from PacMed and PHPDA. Today, the organization is nationally recognized and thrives on their remarkable reputation in DEI, Cultural, and Linguistic consulting and training.
Pacific Medical Center (PacMed): PHPDA and PacMed we were once one entity. In 1983, the Pacific Hospital changed its name to Pacific Medical Center, entering into federal agreements for managed care. In 2003, the clinical group practice separated from the PHPDA, forming their own 501(c)3: the Pacific Medical Centers Clinic. Today, PacMed retains 9 clinics in the Puget Sound area, with more than 168 providers and offering a range of specialty care.
Project Access NW: In 2006, before establishing a structured grantmaking program, PHPDA joined other funders to start an innovative local initiative, King County Project Access, facilitating the provision of pro bono and minimal cost specialty health care to the uninsured by local physicians. Today, renamed Project Access NW to reflect their growth beyond King County, they continue to serve patients by breaking down barriers for the most vulnerable populations, adding behavioral health programming, and assisting in care coordination.
Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB): In 1970, SIHB incorporated as a non-profit and established the Kinattechetapi Indian Clinic on the 2nd floor of the Pacific Hospital with an all-volunteer staff, including 50 doctors. This clinic was a part of the “free clinic” movement in the Seattle area. SIHB moved off campus in 1988 and consolidated all outpatient services at Leschi Center, becoming the largest urban American Indian healthcare program in the nation.
Our partners are continuing to advance our region’s equity in health. PHPDA’s greatest strength lies in the relationships we’ve built with others on the frontlines. We hope that these historic relationships become even stronger and continue to build new ones among our Grantees and Tower family.
