Accessing healthcare can be especially challenging in rural communities, where workforce shortages, transportation barriers, and limited local services can make it harder for residents to get the care they need.
The Willamette Health Council (WHC) is excited to announce that it has received funding for two major initiatives through the Oregon Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) Catalyst Awards. Together, these projects represent an investment of more than $6 million to improve healthcare access and strengthen the healthcare workforce in rural Marion and Polk counties.
Expanding the Traditional Health Worker Workforce
The first project, the Traditional Health Worker Alliance Expansion into Rural Marion-Polk, will build on WHC’s existing Traditional Health Worker (THW) Alliance to expand workforce development opportunities in rural communities.
Traditional Health Workers, including Community Health Workers, Peer Support Specialists, and Doulas, play an important role in helping people navigate healthcare systems, connect to services, and access community resources.
Through partnerships with local organizations, the project will provide training, mentorship, continuing education, workforce readiness support, and opportunities for rural employers to create new THW positions.
Bringing Healthcare Directly to Rural Communities
WHC’s second funded initiative, the Rural Marion-Polk Mobile Health Pilot, will bring integrated healthcare services directly to residents in the Santiam Canyon and rural Polk County.
The pilot will provide mobile physical health services, oral healthcare, community paramedicine, and resource navigation for people facing significant barriers to care. Services will support children, families, older adults, and residents living with chronic or behavioral health conditions.
Community partners will work together to deliver preventive care, health screenings, dental services, care coordination, and connections to ongoing healthcare and social support services.
Advancing Community Health Priorities
Both projects directly support goals identified in the 2026-2030 Marion-Polk Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), including improving access to healthcare, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and addressing barriers faced by rural residents.
By investing in both workforce development and innovative mobile care delivery, these initiatives will help create a more connected, coordinated, and equitable healthcare system for communities across Marion and Polk counties.
Learn More
Read the full press release for additional details about the projects, funding, and community partners.
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.