Letter from the Executive Director

2022 was pivotal for SWACH. It was the final year of the first Medicaid Transformation Project waiver, which demonstrated the power communities have in creating healthier, more equitable regions. The MTP waiver 2, like the previous one, will provide direction, funding, and context for much of the work we do as an organization. We expanded the partnerships supported by the HealthConnect Hub in 2022. We added five new partnerships this year, increasing the hub's capacity to provide critical support in physical and mental health, as well as social services. We also increased our support for existing partners this year, which included funding for additional Community-Based Workers (CBWs). To date, there are more than 80 CBWs employed by our partner agencies. SWACH also made important strides to expand our equity and collaborative impact work. Our Community Impact Projects grant provided $2.5 million to 12 unique organizations and coalitions to develop and sustain projects and programs that address the social determinants of health through a racial equity lens. We are grateful to our partners, community, and supporters who have helped us in this work. Your dedication to supporting our region is what makes these programs successful.

After two years of isolation due to the pandemic, 2022 allowed us to spend more time in community. While COVID-19 continues to impact our region, we’ve found ways to connect again, which has led to meaningful opportunities to grow and heal with our partners and friends across Southwest Washington.

Nichole Peppers Executive Director, SWACH