Dear Friends,
Pacific Hospital Preservation & Development Authority (PHPDA) receives hundreds of competitive requests for proposals each year that reinforce our awareness of the persistence of gaping holes in our healthcare system. Each year we see many small organizations struggling to close these gaps, and each year we read again about our neighbors who are not able to access the health care services they need in order for them and their families to thrive.
Even though we are a modest funder and champion of health equity in King County, we believe we can do more.
This year, we examined how and whether PHPDA’s resources and programs are contributing to the systemic changes required to manifest a world where healthcare is a right and health disparities do not exist. We plan to continue this work next year, identifying how best to use our own limited resources to advance long-lasting structural changes that ensure a future of equitable healthcare.
For now, we are planning to sunset two smaller programs, Nimble Grants and Health Equity Scholars, to make room for higher impact programs and initiatives informed by what we learn.
No current grantees or scholars will be affected by this announcement.
We are excited by the challenge we have set for ourselves: To support standing up and scaling effective, equitable, and sustainable community-centered health and wellness strategies and interventions. We recognize that carrying out our mission of championing equity in health is not a solo endeavor. We look forward to evolving and considering new strategies that build on existing work, creative ideas, and relationships within communities.
Please reach out with any questions or ideas.
Gratefully,
Virgil Wade, Executive Director & Doris Koo, Governing Council Chair
