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WhatcomCounts.org: A project of the Whatcom Coalition for Healthy Communities
The Coalition was formed in 1996 to improve health and quality of life in Whatcom County. Our theory of change is that community health is developed when all of us start with good information about community needs and assets, and then work collaboratively across traditional divides toward common goals. The Coalition’s three strategies build on this theory of change:
- Connect people with information: WhatcomCounts.org provides a one-stop source to “Click, Learn, Act” to improve community health. WhatcomCounts.org dynamically links information in your interest areas with Promising Practices and Local Resources – examples of evidence-based solutions to tough problems, plus local groups that can help you take action.
- Foster collaborative leadership: Leadership Whatcom develops a diverse network of skillful, informed, collaborative leaders who facilitate the renewal and connection of our communities. Through its 10-month community-based leadership development program, and free, biannual Productive Public Conversations, Leadership Whatcom builds civil dialogue skills and fosters understanding among diverse communities.
- Inspire community engagement: “Convening” is our term for bringing together community organizations, leaders and community members around strategic initiatives. Outcome-based convenings demonstrate that all of us have the power to improve community health by starting with good information and working collaboratively across sectors.
Vision for Community Health
From our beginning, the Coalition has defined community health as more than just individual health. Focus groups with hundreds of county residents helped create our vision for community health:
- Social Environment: Whatcom County is a place where people participate in the life of the community through contributing resources, voting and volunteering time.
- Health: Everyone in Whatcom County has access to health care and opportunities to maintain and improve their health and well-being.
- Natural Environment: Whatcom County is a place with a healthy and sustainable environment where the community serves as responsible stewards of natural resources.
- Economy: Whatcom County has a healthy, vibrant economy that provides opportunities for future generations, balancing growth and development with environmental sensitivity and sustainability.
- Public Safety: Whatcom County is a community where people feel safe and are safe in their neighborhoods, homes, roadways and workplaces.
- Education: Whatcom County is a community where education opportunities serve the diverse needs of all its members, as well as the community as a whole.
- Transportation: Whatcom County is a community where multiple transportation options are available to allow mobility for all citizens and to reduce dependency on cars.
- Arts & Recreation: Whatcom County is a place where there are many avenues for exploration of arts and culture as well as many recreational opportunities.
- Government & Politics: Whatcom County is a community where government is responsive to its citizens and manages the public good effectively.
Development of WhatcomCounts.org
The Coalition partnered with dozens of community stakeholders to produce our first print version of information in "Community Counts: Whatcom County Health Indicator Report" in 2002. At that time, we researched indicators in six different topic areas, held focus groups and talked to our communities so that we could create a snapshot of how we are doing and find ways to take action.
After the success of the first indicators project, the Coalition partnered with the Healthy Communities Institute (HCI) on this innovative web tool that interactively connects information (Indicators) with great ideas (Promising Practices) and opportunities for action (Local Resources). WhatcomCounts.org was the pilot project that has led to many HCI affiliates, including San Francisco and Marin County. In July 2006, WhatcomCounts.org was launched as a free one-stop resource for the Whatcom County community to access information, see examples of collaborative leadership working for change, and ways to get involved.
In 2007, the Coalition was accepted as a project sponsor for a three year AmeriCorps VISTA project to develop the capacity of WhatcomCounts.org. Since April 2007, WhatcomCounts.org has been staffed fulltime by an AmeriCorps VISTA.
Built for the Community, Built by the Community
We hope that this site raises questions, provides answers and most importantly, engages you in thinking about and acting on community issues. Our goal is that it be used for thoughtful planning, to generate community discussions and as a catalyst for change. This is your place to find AND contribute community health information and resources.
A true community-based resource, WhatcomCounts.org’s long-term commitment and support comes from leaders who understand the value of setting out desired outcomes, tracking Indicators of progress, learning from Promising Practices and taking action with Local Resources.
The Coalition’s Organizational Sponsors:
- City of Bellingham
- St. Joseph Hospital
- United Way of Whatcom County
- Whatcom County Public Health
- WhatcomCounts.org is also sponsored by the Port of Bellingham, St. Luke's Foundation, Western Washington University, and the Boeing Employees Community Fund.
- Bellingham Public Library
- Opportunity Council Northwest Community Resources
WhatcomCounts.org Advisory Committee:
- Nancy Blume, Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access
- Regina Delahunt, Whatcom County Health Department
- Rafeeka Gafoor, Workforce Development Council
- Rosalinda Guillen, Community to Community Development
- Nancy Jordan, Bellingham/Whatcom Economic Development Council
- Jane Lowrey, Bellingham Public Library
- John Michner, Bellingham/Whatcom Economic Development Council
Local Subject Matter Experts
WhatcomCounts.org also engages local community members who are experts on a topic on WhatcomCounts.org in participating with the project by helping to determine the reliability, impartiality, and accuracy of content on the site.
- Social Environment: Mauri Ingram, Whatcom Community Foundation
- Health: Chris Phillips, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Hospital; Susan Sloan, Whatcom County Health Department
- Natural Environment: Robyn Du Pré, RE Sources for Sustainable Communities
- Economy: Hart Hodges, WWU Center for Economic and Business Research
- Public Safety: David Doll, Bellingham Police Department
- Education: Dee West, Early Childhood Opportunities Northwest (ECONW)
- Transportation: Rick Nicholson, Whatcom Transportation Authority
- Arts & Recreation: Rob Bunnett, Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Department
- Government & Politics: Tim Douglas
Contact Us
whatcomcounts@whatcomcoalition.org
Whatcom Coalition for Healthy Communities
www.whatcomcoalition.org
360-715-1061