After completing the 2018 Community Health Assessment (CHA) for Whatcom County, Whatcom County Heatlh Department began to further explore how health is experienced across Whatcom County. To this end, we reviewed public health data for geographic communities within the county, defined for this purpose by the boundaries of the seven Whatcom County school districts. Additionally, we hosted community listening sessions in each school district to hear from residents and service providers directly. The result is an executive summary that highlights key similarities and differences throughout the county and seven Community Health Snapshots, short health assessments specific to each school district. These reports add to our understanding of health across Whatcom County and can lead to continued community conversations and solutions. 

The countywide Community Health Assessment and Community Health Snapshots form the foundation of Community Health Improvement in Whatcom County and will inform a process to create our next Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). More information about the development of the CHIP will be coming in the next several months and is available at www.whatcomcounty.us/2018cha.