The Marion-Polk Community Health Collaborative has officially released the 2026–2030 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), a community-driven strategy to improve health and well-being across Marion and Polk Counties.
The CHIP is more than a plan – it’s a shared commitment to our community.
Developed through extensive community and partner input, the CHIP identifies three priority areas that reflect the voices and lived experiences of thousands of community members. In total, the CHIP is supported by more than 90 objectives that Collaborative agencies will work on together over the next five years.
Progress will be tracked over time, refining objectives as needs evolve, and ensuring the CHIP remains responsive. Updates will be shared throughout the five-year cycle.
The Collaborative invites you to learn more, share the plan within your networks, and stay informed as this work progresses by signing up for their quarterly newsletter. You can read the full CHIP and sign up for the newsletter at marionpolkcommunityhealth.org.
- Access to Healthcare
Community input made it clear that navigating the healthcare system remains difficult for many. This CHIP cycle aims to improve access to comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services and providers
The plan outlines actionable goals to:
- Improve access to healthcare services
- Increase the number of providers serving the community
- Boost utilization of preventive care services
- Housing Stability
Housing stability was rated as the most needed improvement area on the Community Health Assessment (CHA) survey. This CHIP aims to improve the affordability, quality, safety, and local availability of housing.
Recognizing continued housing needs in the region, CHIP strategies for housing stability focus on:
- Preventing homelessness
- Expanding access to affordable and sustainable housing options
- Mental Health & Substance Use
Community members rated mental health and substance use as an area of high importance on both the CHA survey and community listening sessions. These two issues are often related and this CHIP addresses both prevention and treatment.
In response to the increased need for mental health services and the rise in substance use, the CHIP includes goals to:
- Improve overall mental health and emotional well-being
- Increase the community’s sense of belonging
- Reduce substance use
About the Willamette Health Council: Founded in 2019, the Willamette Health Council (WHC) is the community governance body for PacificSource Community Solutions, Marion County and Polk County Coordinated Care Organization (Marion-Polk CCO). Under this partnership model, the WHC collaborates with PacificSource to jointly manage the CCO and is responsible for much of the community-facing work. The WHC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Learn more about our work at willamettehealthcouncil.org.