Health Equity

The word 'Equity'

Contact

(509) 962-7515
publichealth@co.kittitas.wa.us

Mini-Grant Application

The Kittitas County COVID-19 Health Equity Coalition Mini-Grant Application period is closed.
View the Award announcements View Additional Award announcements

What is Health Equity?

The Kittitas County Public Health Department’s vision is that everyone in our community has the "freedom and ability to pursue healthy lives in a healthy environment". Achieving health equity means providing the resources necessary for everyone to reach their full health potential.

Social Drivers of Health

Social drivers of health are the conditions found in the places people live, work, learn, and play that have an impact on a person's health, well-being, and quality of life. Social drivers of health fit into five domains, including:

  • Financial Security
  • Access to and Quality of Education
  • Health Care Access and Quality
  • Neighborhood and Built Environment
  • Social and Community Climate

Examples of social drivers of health in real life include:

  • Racism and discrimination
  • Access to clean water and air
  • Living in a safe and walkable neighborhood
SDOH-icons

KCPHD Health Equity Committee

The Kittitas County Health Department Health Equity Committee meets monthly and is composed of KCPHD staff members from various divisions. The purpose of this group is to develop and update existing policies and procedures to eliminate health disparities and achieve health equity for all Kittitas County residents.

Kittitas County COVID-19 Health Equity Coalition

Vision

To advance health equity in Kittitas County and work collaboratively to reduce COVID-19 related health disparities among rural and underserved populations.

The COVID-19 Health Equity Coalition (CHEC) was created in January 2022 in response to a grant awarded to the Kittitas County Public Health Department (KCPHD) by the Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH).

Representation

Members in the coalition were invited to join based on their employment/organization’s sector, and its direct impact on social drivers of health.

COVID-19 Rural Health Equity Mini Grant Recipients

APOYO: Amigos Atléticos

A youth project to foster connection and resiliency after isolation from COVID-19, building healthy habits and relationships with new friends through fitness. All sessions are free of charge.

For more information visit: Amigos Atléticos Flyer English or Amigos Atléticos Flyer Spanish
Register for the program here
NBC Right Now News Article
CWU Observer News Article

Youth playing soccer outside as part of APOYO's Amigos Atléticos program.

Ellensburg School District: Tiináwit Payúutmita

A project providing opportunities for Native American/Alaskan Native youth and families to foster connection and resiliency after isolation from COVID-19. All sessions are free of charge. Youth and their parents connect through social and cultural gatherings, while gaining cultural knowledge through Tribal Elder teachings.

Student working on a beading project in the Ellensburg School District Native American/Alaskan Native cultural program.

Gallery One Visual Arts Center: Art to Go Kits

Gallery One is distributing free Art to Go Kits, which include all the materials for an art project, closed caption video instruction, as well as English and Spanish written instructions. The goal of Art to Go Kits is to build resiliency and support mental health because of isolation and trauma from the COVID-19 pandemic. Distribution is focused on individuals who may otherwise not have access to art instruction.

Kittitas County Early Learning Coalition (KCELC)

KCELC is providing free education and socioemotional learning tools to parents and families for use at home, to help build resiliency and school readiness after isolation from COVID-19. KCLEC is also offering in-person, play-based parent-child events.

Thorp School District

Thorp School District is focusing on supporting students with well-being programs, peer support groups, and resiliency support because of isolation from COVID-19. Staff are being trained in Suicide and Social Emotional Learning to help better address students’ needs. Peer support groups are helping to address students’ social skills, depression, anxiety, disruptive behaviors, and emotional regulation and suicidal thoughts.

Quiet Cadence

Quiet Cadence is a newer, non-profit organization focusing efforts on improving the wellbeing of healthcare professionals affected by COVID-19; using mind-body exercise and peer support groups to care for those who provide healthcare to our community, so they can continue to care for us all.