The Central Oregon Health Council is beginning to transform the way we carry out the next Regional Health Improvement Plan. The 2025–2029 RHIP will use a more collaborative and community-centered approach to improving health outcomes across the region.
For years, COHC has coordinated implementation of the RHIP by leading monthly workgroups and providing funding for regional projects that help meet the plan’s aims. In the new RHIP, COHC will work more on facilitation and strategy to prioritize connection, alignment, and shared leadership among regional partners and stakeholders.
“This evolution represents a deeper commitment to joint initiatives to make a bigger impact,” said Gwen Jones, director of community strategy at COHC. “Sustainable community-wide health improvements require stronger alignment and shared ownership across organizations. We’re stepping into the role of connector and catalyst to amplify community voices, lift up what’s working, and weave together efforts across Central Oregon to create something stronger than any one organization could achieve alone.”
What’s Changing
Rather than directly managing initiatives, COHC will support the RHIP through:
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- Facilitating partnerships across sectors and organizations that are aligned with shared health goals
- Matchmaking collaborators and resources to strengthen existing work
- Offering partial funding for projects and programs that align with RHIP objectives
- Providing tools, data, and shared learning to support informed action
- Continuing to listen and adapt based on changing community needs
Making the RHIP More Accessible
The RHIP and the Regional Health Assessment that led to the RHIP can be complicated, so COHC is also developing a new communications strategy. This will include user-friendly tools and resources that can help partners understand, use, and communicate about the RHIP in their day-to-day efforts.
What’s Next
We invite you to look at the Regional Health Improvement Plan with fresh eyes and consider how the priorities and strategies fit with your work and vision for a healthier Central Oregon. In the coming weeks, COHC will release a Request for Information to gather information from local organizations whose work aligns with RHIP objectives and identify areas where additional support could help.
“The future of health in Central Oregon lies in our ability to work together,” Jones added. “With every connection we build up, we move closer to a healthier, more equitable region for everyone.”
To learn more, see the full 2025–2029 Regional Health Improvement Plan on the Central Oregon Health Data website. If you have questions, go to our Regional Health Improvement Plan page here.