In 1993, Southwest Washington Health District sponsored a study to assess the overall well-being of Clark County . The study's scope included schools, workplaces, public safety, environment, economy, health care, and social behaviors. Study findings revealed several areas for concern such as: half of the county's public school students qualified for federally funded free lunches; the average wage in Clark County was lower than the average state wage; and, Clark County's heart disease death rate was higher than in many other communities in the state.
These findings mobilized community leaders, public health officials, private industry, faith-based organizations, schools and citizens to envision the future health of Clark County. This visioning led to the formation of Community Choices as the catalyst for change for a healthy, livable Clark County. This data-driven organization serves as a neutral, credible information source to efficiently and effectively drive positive change. Through advocacy and dissemination of information, Community Choices strives to utilize early prevention strategies to achieve a balance of economic vitality, personal health, social well-being and belonging in Clark County.
Looking back, there is much to celebrate about Community Choices. A community strengthened. Lives made better. A healthier, safer environment.
But, perhaps most significant are the public-private partnerships that have been created. Acting as an engine for change, we have linked over 70 organizations and 500 individuals representing business, education, community agencies, the public sector, non-profit groups, health systems, and concerned individuals.
By stimulating leadership, generating solutions and fueling proactive efforts, we have ignited a force for community health. Since its inception, Community Choices has proven to be an impressive example of what can happen when the vision, goals and capacity of the community, the resources and expertise of the private sector and the indispensable support of social agencies and local government are aligned.
Community Choices is fortunate to have loyal donors, advocates, staff and volunteers. We are grateful to have a visionary board of directors and the generous support of our partners, sponsors and donors. Working together, we are a catalyst for change - expediting the urgent and exciting task of creating the Clark County of the future. We are resolved to accelerate toward a healthier, more livable community until we fulfill our mission and achieve our vision.
Our Mission
A catalyst for a healthy livable Clark County.
Our Aspirations for Clark County
- We are a community that strives for a blance of economic vitality, personal health, social well-being, and belonging.
- We are a strong community that supports people of all ages, racial and ethnic groups, cultures, religions, gender, socio-economic status, abilities and lifestyles, and we recognize that social equity is a central component in achieving a sustainable community.
- We are a community that works together to respond to those in need for the betterment of the community as a whole.
Our Guiding Principles
- We are a community-based, broadly supported, non-profit organization.
- We build awareness of the overall health of the community.
- We are a data driven organization.
- We are an objective convener of, and collaborate with, a diverse group of community partners.
- We evaluate policies and examine their impact on the environment, economy and social equity.
- We focus on early prevention strategies.
Our Objectives
- Complete Community Report Card every three years; integrate healthy community indicators into Report Card; use Report Card to educate and guide Clark County to work towards a healthy livable community.
- Integrate Steps to a Healthier Clark County efforts into the healthy livable community framework.
- Launch healthy livable community forums to serve as a vehicle for educating and connecting the community.
- Lead a community process to visualize a healthy livable Clark County in 2030.
- Strengthen infrastructure to sustain Community Choices.