University of Washington Public Health students invite local participation in Grand Coulee community health assessment

In partnership with the Grant County Health District nine graduate students in the

University of Washington Community-Oriented Public Health Practice (COPHP)

program will visit Grand Coulee to learn about important health issues facing the local

community, and how Grand Coulee residents support each other to live healthier lives.

The visit will take place during the week after Thanksgiving, from Monday, November

26th - Thursday November 29th.

During that time, the students, led by Sharon Bogan, Program Manager of

Communications at Public Health Seattle King-County, will conduct interviews with

elected officials, health providers, and Grand Coulee residents as part of a health

assessment. This effort builds upon two previous assessments performed in North

Central Washington, and aims to identify unique strengths and barriers to healthcare

delivery within the Grand Coulee area specifically. Insights gained during the students'

visit will inform a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) targeting current local

health concerns.

The innovative COPHP program at the UW trains students to prioritize community

voices by forging culturally respectful partnerships with communities and organizations

throughout the Pacific Northwest. Program director Amy Hagopian stresses that

" COPHP's success is measured in the extent to which our graduates go out into the

world and solve real public health problems" . While the visiting students are still in their

first year of study, previous experience living and working in rural, urban, and

international communities have taught them that local perspectives and community

input are crucial to understanding and solving such health problems. Prior to their visit,

the students will be examining their own personal biases and perspectives, learning

about the local history and culture of Grand Coulee, and exploring how to encourage

participation from all members of its unique community.

The students will arrive in Grand Coulee on Monday, November 26th, and will visit local

organizations, including the Coulee Medical Center. They have also arranged a

community meeting for Grand Coulee residents to gather together and give voice to

both health challenges and important sources of community strength and resilience.

This meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 27th, from 6-730pm at the Grand

Coulee City Hall. The students respectfully invite all community members to share their

experience, wisdom, and visions for the future of health in Grand Coulee. Food and

child care will be provided. Be on the lookout for further communications from the

students as the visit approaches.

Community Meeting Details

When : November 27 from 6-7:30pm

Where : Grand Coulee City Hall, 306 Midway Ave, Grand Coulee, WA 99133

Who : Residents of the Grand Coulee Dam region

Food and childcare provided