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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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75 years of groundbreaking moments

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

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More about our history

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 …
Black and white photograph of a man in the Kaiser Richmond shipyard wearing a hard hat and goggles on his head
July 22, 2021
A long history of equity for workers with disabilities
In Henry J. Kaiser’s shipyards, workers were judged by their abilities, …
1942 newspaper clipping with image of Kaiser shipyard worker hires from New York en route to Portland.
June 2, 2021
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.
July 30, 2020
Books and publications about our history
Interested in learning more about the history of Kaiser Permanente and …
hands of a medical professional on the keyboard of a laptop
July 21, 2020
Pandemic pushes our virtual, connected care to new heights
Cynthia Engel is thankful for her first telehealth experience. During Kaiser …
Male Asian American Kaiser Permanente physican talking to a cute baby girl dressed in pink while her mother gestures in the background.
July 21, 2020
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
July 21, 2020
Diagnostic and preventive care is in our DNA
A routine screening helped detect Bill Walsh’s cancer before it became …
upturned hand holding pills
July 21, 2020
A proactive approach to addressing the opioid epidemic
Timothy C. is grateful for his doctor’s help in treating his opioid use …
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