Skip to content

RAPID and Whatcom County Health and Community Services partnership

Community served

Located in Bellingham, Washington, Whatcom County Health and Community Services promotes and protects the health and well-being of Whatcom County residents, including young children, parents, and families, and has a vested interest in reaching the most rural areas of the county. The work supports the community of over 230,000 people across Whatcom County in several ways, and particularly in improving children’s health and well-being. 

Priorities and goals

As a department within Whatcom County government, the organization works on behalf of Whatcom County families to promote health through policy and systems improvement; prevent disease and injury; provide accurate and reliable health communication, information, and data; prepare for and respond to emergencies; and preserve a healthy environment where everyone can thrive.

The work supporting this population shows up in programs such as:

  • Immunizations and healthcare services for children
  • Increased access to maternal and child health programs
  • Professional education and training opportunities
  • Parenting education and support
  • Community outreach and education

Engaging families

The state Department of Health designated Whatcom County a Rural Health Equity Zone (HEZ). This HEZ initiative identified that those most impacted by health inequities are closest to the solution and highlighted why it is so key to gather community voices. To that end, the RAPID Survey Project and Whatcom County Health and Community Services began collaborating in 2024 to hear directly from parents about their economic circumstances, well-being, child care, community and family health needs, to better understand families’ experiences with early childhood policies, programs, and contexts.

Data and insights

The project aims to gather data and parent voices directly from the sources to see the needs, gaps, and challenges families in the community are facing. That information can then help inform decisions that will impact parents and caregivers in the here and now, as well as shape future program development and funding.