Our history

Since 1945 we’ve been leading the way with innovative approaches to health care. Explore how one pioneering idea born from the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II evolved into decades of bold ideas that continue to enable more healthy years.

Our evolution

We started as a health care program for shipyard and steel mill workers. Discover how our integrated approach to health care has made us one of America’s leading health care providers and nonprofit health plans.

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Our founders

Pioneers in diversity and inclusion

A history of innovation

The people of Kaiser Permanente

75 years of groundbreaking moments

Learn more about our rich history of doing more for our members and communities.

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woman conducting a medical exam on a baby who's being held by its mother

Nurse practitioners: Historical advances in nursing

A doctor shortage in the late 1960s and an innovative partnership helped …

The "Baby in the Drawer" hospital room from 1953

September 10, 2021

‘Baby in the drawer’ helped turn the tide for breastfeeding

This innovation in rooming-in allowed newborns to stay close to mothers …

Woman seated behind desk with 4 men standing in front

August 25, 2021

Kaiser Permanente’s history of nondiscrimination

Our principles of diversity and our inclusive care began during World War …

1942 newspaper clipping with image of Kaiser shipyard worker hires from New York en route to Portland.

Path to employment: Black workers in Kaiser shipyards

Kaiser Permanente, Henry J. Kaiser’s sole remaining institutional legacy, …

Kaiser Permanente Richmond Medical Center circa 1943.

February 22, 2021

The Permanente Richmond Field Hospital

Forlorn and all but forgotten, it played a proud role during the World …

vintage photograph of 3 women wearing 1960s era nursing uniforms

September 28, 2020

A legacy of disruptive innovation

Proceeds from a new book detailing the history of the Kaiser Foundation …

black and white photo of a woman smiling and wearing glasses

August 26, 2020

Kaiser Permanente’s pioneering nurse-midwives

The 1970s nurse-midwife movement transformed delivery practices.

Book cover: 'The Story of Dr. Sidney R. Garfield — The Visionary Who Turned Sick Care into Health Care' with color illustration of Dr. Garfield.

Books and publications about our history

Interested in learning more about the history of Kaiser Permanente and …

Male Asian American Kaiser Permanente physican talking to a cute baby girl dressed in pink while her mother gestures in the background.

Transcending language barriers in health care for decades

Good communication is key to good health. During Kaiser Permanente’s 75th …

Kaiser Permanente member Bill Walsh

Diagnostic and preventive care is in our DNA

A routine screening helped detect Bill Walsh’s cancer before it became …

people seated inside a classroom facing the front of the room

Nurses step up in crises

Kaiser Permanente nurses have been saving lives on the front lines since …

Medical specialist handling oxygen therapy equipment

November 8, 2019

Swords into stethoscopes — veterans in health professions

Kaiser Permanente has actively hired veterans in all capacities since World …

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