This summer, CHC is celebrating our 40th anniversary of dedicated service in delivering high quality, affordable health care to the residents of Snohomish County. Since our establishment in 1983, CHC has remained committed to the mission of ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for all, regardless of their background or financial status.
CHC History
CHC was established in Everett in 1983 as a referral program for low-income residents, in collaboration with Everett General Hospital (now Providence Regional Medical Center Everett). In March of 1984, the organization was formed under the name of Community Health & Referral Center, with its original clinic established as the Everett Medical Clinic. A year later, a dental clinic would open at the same site.
In 1997, with the new name of Community Health Center of Snohomish County, CHC became a federal grant recipient under the Health Center Program, Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act, and was deemed a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). As a FQHC, CHC would now receive federal funding and support to provide comprehensive primary care services in underserved communities. FQHCs serve as safety net providers, offering healthcare services to individuals, regardless of insurance or financial status.
CHC in the Community
Over the past four decades, CHC has been a pillar of the community, providing primary medical and dental care, pharmacy, behavioral health, nutrition and physical therapy to our patients.
CHC partners with organizations throughout Snohomish County to reach members of our community facing barriers to obtaining quality health care. Key partners include: Cocoon House, Everett Gospel Mission, Housing Hope and Claire’s Place. CHC also offers dental sealant and Smile Check programs in 20+ elementary schools across multiple school districts. Our newest school-based health clinic at Meadowdale High School offers medical and dental care to students, at no extra cost to their families.
We are the only local FQHC able to offer a substantial level of service and care to people experiencing homelessness in Snohomish County, with an approved program that has the capacity and mission to provide safety net care to this underserved community.
We also partner with the State of Washington’s Department of Health and Harborview Medical Center to provide a weekly clinic to patients living with HIV/AIDS in Snohomish County who experience barriers accessing the existing services in Seattle.
“We are immensely grateful to the community of Snohomish County, our esteemed partner organizations, and, of course, CHC’s dedicated staff for their unwavering support and collaboration over the past 40 years,” said Joe Vessey, CEO of CHC, “Together, we have made a profound impact in ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. This milestone would not have been possible without the collective efforts and shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community.”