205 W 5th Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926-2887
Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM
Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
(509) 962-7515 publichealth@co.kittitas.wa.us
The Kittitas County COVID-19 Health Equity Coalition Mini-Grant Application period is closed. View the Award announcements View Additional Award announcements
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 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:
Examples of social drivers of health in real life include:
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.
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).
Members in the coalition were invited to join based on their employment/organization’s sector, and its direct impact on social drivers of health.
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
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.
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.
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 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 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.
