Group Health named 'Partner of the Year' for Donor-Supported Initiatives

The 2010 Partnership Award, presented to Group Health by WithinReach, recognizes Group Health's longstanding commitment to supporting programs that protect the most vulnerable members of our communities. WithinReach is a statewide organization that connects families to health and food resources.

Group Health was recognized for its leadership in promoting childhood immunizations and also for the continuing impact of its $2 million investment to increase children’s access to care. WithinReach has been a key partner with Group Health in each of these community health initiatives.

"Group Health is a critical partner in our work to make sure every family in Washington state has access to the resources they need to lead healthy and rewarding lives," said Patty Hayes, executive director of WithinReach. "The Partnership Award recognizes Group Health's longstanding commitment to supporting programs that protect the most vulnerable members of our communities."

Group Health and WithinReach have collaborated on multiple initiatives — supported by Foundation donors — including:

Parent Help 123 The Group Health Foundation provided $150,000 in 2007–09 for WithinReach to develop bilingual Web-based services to provide parents with information and applications for public health insurance and food programs. The grant was made in 2007 as part of Group Health's $2 million initiative to increase children's access to care.

Childhood Immunization Initiative WithinReach and the Group Health Foundation are collaborating to find innovative ways to increase vaccination rates in Washington state. This work is focused on learning more about why a growing number of parents are choosing not to vaccinate their children.

Washington Vaccine Association WithinReach led the planning process to form a public-private partnership that created an alternative funding mechanism to support Washington state's Universal Vaccine Purchase program. Funding for the program had been eliminated by state budget cuts. The Group Health Foundation provided WithinReach with a planning grant to support this work.

Children's Access to Care Initiative The Children's Access to Care Initiative is a $1 million grants program to fund programs across Washington state that connect kids with coverage. The grants are part of Group Health's $2 million commitment to support children's access to care.

"Our collaboration with WithinReach has helped us bring innovative community health programs to children and families across Washington state," said Group Health President and CEO Scott Armstrong, who accepted the award in front of a crowd of 400 community leaders at WithinReach's annual fundraising luncheon on May 18. "Together we will continue our work to increase access to quality, affordable care."

WithinReach Executive Director Patty Hayes, left, and Board President Crystal Tetrick with Group Health CEO Scott Armstrong.