HLC Program Sunsets at SWACH

In 2017, the Healthy Living Collaborative transitioned to become one of the programs at Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH). The partnership was designed to amplify HLC’s work in creating health equity and championing Community Health Workers (CHWs).

“Being able to work with the CHW teams, the partners for the HLC as a whole, the HLC partners, and the community as a whole, was beneficial to the work I do,” said Dominque Horn, SWACH Equity & Collaborative Impact Program Specialist. The ability to have connections and collaboration with the community was impactful."

HLC ended in 2020 as a distinct program; this was a difficult decision and HLC’s priorities continue through other programs at SWACH. Our HealthConnect Hub and Equity and Collaborative Impact teams uphold the work originated by HLC, particularly related to health equity across Clark, Klickitat, and Skamania counties.

As an organization, we also continue to advocate for the development and support of our local community-based workforce. This workforce was essential to the work completed by HLC and remains crucial to the work we do today.

For many who were involved in the program, HLC fostered a sense of community in creating health equity.

"The HLC was a program of agencies meeting the community where they were,” said Brandi Williams, SWACH Community Based Workforce Specialist. Williams said the HLC’s unique approach “pulled from individuals who have lived experience” with those they work with.

That innovative impact remains a primary goal of SWACH’s programs - to make it easy for individuals to access the care and resources they need through the support of individuals who understand their background and experiences.

We are grateful to everyone who made HLC such a strong, vibrant part of our community. Your work is deeply appreciated.