In 2020, Kaiser Permanente’s community health efforts made a significant difference in the face of unprecedented challenge and change.
Kaiser Permanente volunteers assembled more than 500 wildfire clean-up kits to help those affected by the fires that devastated Oregon.
Kaiser Permanente Northwest’s 2020 Community Health Snapshot presents highlights of our 2020 initiatives and accomplishments, as well as a financial breakdown of community investments totaling over $166 million.
The challenges that faced our communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington in 2020 were overwhelming. But Kaiser Permanente’s dedication to our mission remained unwavering, as our investments helped our Northwest neighbors who were experiencing health inequities address the clinical, social, economic, and environmental factors that affect their health and ability to thrive.
“Together, the COVID-19 pandemic, heightened racial injustice, and devastating wildfires magnified the significant disparities affecting underrepresented communities throughout the Northwest,” noted Dan Field, executive director of Community Health and External Affairs.
“But these events served to reinforce the dedication to our mission. We are committed to creating a healthy, resilient society with policies and practices that are anti-racist to foster racial equity, healing, and good health for our members and the communities we serve.”
Community Health initiatives are guided by national Community Health priorities and strategies and inform where our resources will make the greatest impact. Our priorities include economic opportunity, equity, mental health, pandemic response, safety net partnerships, schools, subsidized care and coverage, and social health including housing and nutrition.
These priorities also support our Community Health Needs Assessment and our nonprofit obligations. This work involves everyone — including physicians, dentists, nurses, technicians, navigators, and our community partners.
Learn more about how we are working to support and build stronger, more resilient communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington.