The Central Oregon Health Council (COHC) has a history of grant-making, directly funding a wide variety of projects, including healthcare system improvements, public health programs, and community initiatives, large and small. Our role has evolved as the landscape has changed. In the 2025–2029 Regional Health Improvement Plan (RHIP), COHC is shifting from being a primary funder to serving as a connector, convener, and amplifier of partner efforts across the region.
This change reflects our commitment to aligning and strengthening the great work already happening across the region, rather than duplicating efforts. We’re prioritizing relationship-building, cross-sector alignment, and collective action to strengthen systems and position partners for shared success in 2026 and beyond. We would like our partners to understand:
- While we may not be providing large-scale grants right now, we are deeply invested in facilitating partnerships and helping organizations align their work with RHIP goals.
- Our focus is on helping partners connect with each other—identifying common objectives, sharing data and tools, and strengthening impact through collaboration.
- We believe this model will lead to more sustainable, community-driven solutions that outlast individual funding cycles.
- In 2026, COHC will host cross-sector planning sessions to identify shared priorities, partnership opportunities, and potential areas for co-investment.
- These conversations will guide how we collectively implement the RHIP and ensure that we strategically target our resources where they can make the most difference.
We remain hopeful and proactive in pursuing opportunities to bring additional resources into the region. We understand that funding is a key concern for our partners, and we share that concern. Even without direct funds today, there is powerful work happening across Central Oregon—and COHC’s role is to help connect, support, facilitate, and elevate those efforts. Together, we’re creating a more coordinated, resilient, and equitable system for improving health and well-being in our region.