…..a new beginning | Washington Health Foundation

The Washington Health Foundation (WHF) has a rich history of innovative programs and projects that changed the lives of people and the futures of communities across our state. Whether through direct service programs, policy development, engagement strategies, education, research or the more than 14 million dollars WHF awarded in grants over the past 20 years – the Foundation has designed, developed and implemented more than 160 projects to improve people’s health. We don’t just talk about change – we drive it. And have been doing so since 1992. You may be surprised to know of the some of the programs we established. Below are just a few examples. Did you know that the Washington Health Foundation was one of the leading activators of the health care quality movement in our state over a decade ago? Medical care quality and patient safety initiatives are certainly now all the rage among health care providers, governments and issue-specific coalitions. But in the late-1990s, this was not the case. WHF initiated a series of education and demonstration programs addressing health care quality action opportunities, investing over $5 million in identifying and supporting early innovators willing to engage in this work.

What’s more, the Foundation organized this work with the strategic intent to spark the health care industry and major health payers to invest their enormous financial and other resources in this strategic issue. WHF’s stimulus led to, among other efforts, the Washington State Hospital Association Patient Safety program, the Puget Sound Health Alliance, and other now nationally-recognized quality improvement efforts across the state. Now, it is the rare health leader who doesn’t speak to the need to fix quality in health care, frequently claiming full credit for the work that was begun well before their watch began.

It has always been our intent to advance our mission and vision by stimulating local action, not by taking credit for our accomplishments. History frequently forgets who was really responsible for achievements, and that is just fine. Many have no doubt long since forgotten the important role WHF played in making quality improvement and patient safety a major focus for health providers, insurers and government. But the quality work that is now going on serves as an excellent example of how our organization's ability to lead and inspire action will help us one day achieve our goal of making Washington the Healthiest State in the Nation.

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