Data and News
News
Read the latest news from Arcora Foundation and our partners. Visit our newsletter archive to find past issues of our partner and provider newsletters (and don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list!).
- Meet Ervin – A Community Health Worker
Meet Ervin – a Community Health Worker in eastern Washington!
- 2024 Year in Review
2024 has been a year of change, of growth, and of learning for our team at BHT. The renewal of our 1115 Waiver has given us a new opportunity to look ahead in 2025, but we would be remiss if we didn’t take a chance to acknowledge all the hard work and impact that went into 2024. This year we celebrated new beginnings for a few programs, and the sunsetting and bittersweet goodbyes for others. We continue to center community voice in all we do, and even had some fun along the way growing our team.
- Meet Shanda – A Community Health Worker
Community Health Worker Awareness Week is held every year from August 26th to 30th. We’re excited to keep highlighting eastern Washington community health workers all year long! Discover more about these incredible individuals who are making a real difference through their dedication, compassion, and relentless commitment to enhancing community health.
- 2024 Partner and Alumni Event
Our annual partner and alumni event is a celebration of our many partnerships with dental and medical professionals, policy makers, community-based organizations, local and state… - Honoring National Native American Heritage Month
At BHT, we share a commitment to Indigenous communities as we address the unique health challenges they face, which are deeply rooted in historical inequities and ongoing systemic barriers. We support Native-led and Native-serving organizations through both funding opportunities and our Tribal Partners Collaborative, which seeks to bring together community leaders to address Native health.
- Celebrating 7 years of Impact with the Spokane Collaborative
This week we had our final meeting of the Spokane Collaborative, as the program’s funding has been discontinued in 2025. Though there is some sadness in change and endings, we took some time this week to celebrate the milestones and success with both past and present collaborative members.
- Investing in Community Events with BHT Sponsorship Funds
In 2023, the BHT board allocated funds for community events to elevate our community support and live out our mission and values. BHT is committed to sponsoring events and community engagement activities that promote community wellness and elevate community voices.
- We Stand with our Community ~ Nos Solidarizamos con Nuestra Comunidad ~ Kemij jutak ippen Jukjuk in bed in ad
Over the past week, we have taken some time as a Board and staff to pause, share our emotions, and reconnect with one another. We start this week with a steadfast commitment to do all we can to ensure that every person in our community has access to the resources they need to be healthy and safe.
- Creating Regional Impact With Grant-Writing Stipends
At the heart of many community-based initiatives lies the need for reliable funding, and securing those resources often requires a strong grant-writing strategy. Recognizing this critical need, we launched an initiative designed to directly support organizations in their pursuit of additional funding. As part of our ongoing commitment to building capacity within the community, we allocated up to $220,000 for Grant-Writing Stipends in 2024. These stipends were available to organizations seeking technical assistance in grant writing, empowering them to work with a grant-writing consultant of their choice.
- Community Partner Concern Policy
To demonstrate BHT’s accountability to the community, we are adopting a Community Feedback process. We hope that this process will generate space for community members to formally express concerns about our practices and processes as we aspire for greater diversity and inclusion of voices.
- El servicio gratuito de remisión dental amplía las opciones de atención y aborda las disparidades en salud
Una nueva asociación ayuda a los residentes de bajo ingreso de Washington a acceder a atención dental esencial y a atención integral. SEATTLE: Los residentes… - Free dental referral service expands care options, addresses health disparitiesNew partnership helps Washington state residents who are low income access critical oral health and whole person care. SEATTLE—Washington state residents who are low income…
- Income Limit Increasing For Apple Health Pregnancy Programs On November 1, 2024
Senate Bill 5580 is a new law that will help more people access health care during and after pregnancy. Specifically, it raises the income limit for programs like Apple Health for Pregnant Individuals and After-Pregnancy Coverage (APC).
- Introducing the Community Care Hub and our Social Care Network 1.0
It’s true! It’s having access to safe and affordable housing to come home to, the access and affordability of healthy food, the community who supports you, and so much more. Our mission at BHT is to improve the health of our region and support the growth of a network of community-based organizations, behavioral health specialists, and healthcare centers that support community needs.
- Meet Molly – A Community Health Worker
Community Health Worker Awareness Week was held from August 26th to 30th. We’re excited to keep highlighting community health workers from eastern Washington! Discover more about these incredible individuals who are making a real difference through their dedication, compassion, and relentless commitment to enhancing community health.
- Meet Some of Eastern Washington’s Community Health Workers (Our Heroes!)
From August 26-30th , we will be celebrating National Community Health Worker Awareness Week at BHT, an opportunity to highlight and raise awareness of the incredible contributions of community health workers (CHWs), our everyday superheroes. These heroes don’t wear capes or fly through the sky; instead, they walk through our neighborhoods, clinics, and homes, working tirelessly to support and uplift their communities.
- Facing Fentanyl in Eastern Washington
A collaboration between state agencies, tribes, counties, cities, communities, and business partners signals to people in Washington that we are facing fentanyl together. The events will take place on Friday, September 20, 2024, which is during Recovery Month.
- Kalispel Tribe receives $130,000 Arcora Foundation grant
Investments will help fund dental clinic expansion, address unmet needs. Cusick, WA–Kalispel Tribal members and Pend Oreille County residents will have more options for dental… - Quileute Tribal Health Center announces $140,000 grant from Arcora Foundation
Expands dental access for American Indians/Alaska Natives in rural Olympic Peninsula. La Push, WA–American Indians/Alaska Natives and children from lower-income families on the Olympic Peninsula… - One Community Health announces $70,000 grant from Arcora Foundation
Investment expands dental care access for Klickitat, Skamania county residents. White Salmon, WA–Southwest Washington residents in need of affordable dental care will soon have more… - Heath care providers, HCA wants to hear from you
After a two-year break, the Health Care Authority (HCA) is seeking provider participation in their annual Paying for Value survey, now issued through ServiceNow. The survey helps track progress toward a statewide goal of paying for health and value, rather than paying for volume of care.
- Understanding Youth Houselessness: Insights from Spokane County
Recently, 74 youth who have, or are experiencing houselessness participated in an assessment to share their experiences to increase awareness of the challenges of youth houselessness in Spokane County.
- Spokane County Warrant Fest Provides Crucial Legal Relief
Warrant Fest played a pivotal role in addressing the legal challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and/or housing instability. This event focused on recalling warrants, providing individuals with crucial legal relief, and creating a more supportive and equitable community.
- Celebrate Juneteenth!
Work continues to support healthy and thriving Black people and communities. Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom, resilience, positivity, achievement, and aspirations for Black folks…. - BHT one of 20 Nationwide selected for US Aging Center of Excellence Funding
We are SO excited to announce that we have been selected as one of 20 organizations to be awarded funding through the US Aging Center of Excellence to Align Health and Social Care (COE). The COE is supported by the Administration for Community Living and will support community care hubs in their work to assess and address individuals’ health-related social needs and promote whole-person care.
- Sharing Insight on State Approaches to Addressing Health-Related Social Needs
Recently, our president, Alison Poulsen, joined with several other leaders of the Washington ACHs (Accountable Communities of Health) to share state approaches to addressing health-related social needs and the future of community care coordination.
- Fight for good oral health, equity rooted in family’s legacy
For Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, an Arcora Foundation staff member reflects on how her parents influenced her work to address oral… - Funding Opportunity: Grant Writing Stipends for Community-based Organizations
BHT is offering $5,000 grant-writing stipends for Community-based organizations currently applying for regional, state, or federal funding. Learn more and apply!
- Partnerships provide policy wins in 2024 legislative session
By Alison Mondi, Arcora Policy Director The 2024 Legislative Session ended on March 7. We want to share a recap of the important wins for… - Celebrate water fluoridation as a public health achievement
Safer commutes to work or school. Freedom from worry about smallpox, one of the most devastating diseases ever. Community water fluoridation. Public health has made… - Funding Opportunities: Rural School-Based Healthcare & Health-Related Social Needs of Students
BHT is offering up to $75,000 for Rural School-Based Healthcare projects and $10,000 mini-grants to support the health-related social needs of rural students. Please submit your proposals for one or both funding opportunities by May 15, 2024!
- Seattle/King County Clinic meets immediate needs, but more work toward sustainable care needed
By Vanetta Abdellatif and Luzmila Freese Every year, Seattle Center hosts a four-day, pop-up clinic that attracts thousands of people. Seattle/King County Clinic (SKCC) provides… - Celebrate Black history, recognize the importance of kid’s oral health in February
February is a time for double celebration! Black History Month honors Black people’s contributions to and place in American history. National Children’s Dental Health Month… - For one Native dental provider, her work is a family affair
Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month. Arcora Foundation is proud to honor Indigenous people across the region and their enduring legacy. As we continue to… - A future with healthy smiles for everyone
Personal reflections on the importance of equity in oral health. By Matt Morton As National Native American Heritage Month begins and I near the end… - Celebrate our Latinx staff for National Hispanic Heritage Month
3 perspectives on the importance of equity-focused work. At Arcora Foundation, partnerships power our work. We collaborate with people across Washington state to further our… - Bridging the gap: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and the vitality of oral health
By Carmen Mendez As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, it is a time for reflection on the cultural values and experiences that have shaped… - $120,000 in funding supports continued access to care for Washingtonians in need
Grants to community health centers will help efforts to maintain coverage for people with Apple Health (Medicaid). People with limited income and resources may face… - More than $320,000 in grants expands oral health care access across Puget Sound region
Award announcements come during National Health Center Week, which recognizes nonprofit clinics’ vital role to support oral health, culturally appropriate care, equity. SEATTLE–A healthy smile… - Community Water Fluoridation Fiscal Study Released
The study was released in June. Click here to read the City of Spokane’s Fluoridation Implementation study.
- Policy for sustainable oral health improvements
Policy Director Alison Mondi shares highlights from the 2023 Legislative Session. Washington state’s 2023 Legislative Session has concluded, and legislators are back in their home… - Juneteenth honors Black Americans’ past
For a healthier future, equity is essential. For Juneteenth, we recognize how far Black Americans have come from the enslavement of our ancestors. We honor… - Health literacy and outreach key to good oral health in the AANHPI community
Nonprofits leverage Arcora project grants and community expertise to improve oral and overall health for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community members. Hi… - Smile Spokane Impact Report Released
Smile Spokane is a Local Impact Network (LIN) of organizations working together to transform oral health in the region. Smile Spokane serves as an organizing entity with strategies in place to improve oral health in Spokane.
- How public health supports equity in oral health
Community leadership and expertise are key to prevent disease and improve access to dental care. Good oral health is more than a healthy smile. Where… - Telehealth virtual appointment pilot offers equitable care to students
Telehealth virtual appointments allow students to see a physician on-site at school with their school nurse there to assist in taking measurements and administering medication. These appointments help make accessing care more equitable, especially for parents who struggle finding the time or transportation to take their children to receive care.
- Celebrate Black History Month with a commitment to improve oral health for Black people
Andrew Lofton and Kimberly Wilson—Arcora Foundation board members—share the importance of good oral health for Black people. Black history is U.S. history. Each February, Black… - Investments in children’s oral health can produce a lifetime of healthy smilesOral health programs and policy lead to better health outcomes for our state’s children. Heather again! In my first blog, I told you about the…
- A cavity-free future is possible for our state’s children
Heather Gallagher, ABCD managing director, shares the ABCD program’s secret to making Washington state a leader in young children accessing dental care. I’m excited to… - Community-based oral health efforts get a $520,000 funding boost from Arcora Foundation
18 organizations receive grants and sponsorships to help address most pressing health needs. A request, a need, and a solution. In 2021, a client at… - Fluoridated water: A cost-effective way to boost dental health in underserved communities
This article was originally published in The Seattle Times. By Arcora Foundation | November 30, 2022 Access to regular dental care, a healthy diet and… - Community Resilience Fund RFP set to be released soon
To further support our commitment, BHT is releasing funding out of our Community Resiliency Fund in a single Request for Proposal process to address racism and prioritize awarding dollars to organizations led by and serving impacted populations.
- Community expertise guides our engagement strategy
Arcora Foundation Associate Program Officer Matt Gonzalez shares how community-based organizations guide our work to support the oral and overall health of Latinx community members. … - Arcora Foundation awards $500,000 in grants to help address unmet dental care needs
Grants enable expanded access to essential dental care at two Puget Sound clinics, underscores value of community health centers. Greater access to essential dental care… - Welcome to our refreshed website and new logo
Arcora Foundation centers our work in equity and collaborates with partners to achieve good oral health for all. This strategic direction applies to not just… - The Benefits of Fluoride
Community water fluoridation will ensure everyone in our community can enjoy better oral health, overall health, and well-being.
Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter, a mineral found in most lakes, rivers, and oceans. But it’s usually found at levels below what’s needed to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Fluoride replaces minerals lost to the acid attacks that happen when we eat.
- Community Fluoridation in Our City
Spokane faces real oral health challenges and disparities. We have higher cavity rates than many other Washington communities. Spokane is the largest city in the state without the right balance of fluoride in the water.
On September 14, the Spokane City Council voted 6-1 to approve entering into a grant agreement with Arcora Foundation. The city will receive $4,000,000 to cover the capital costs related to implementing community water fluoridation, including planning, design, permitting, and construction costs.
Arcora is contributing $3,000,000 of the total. Nine locally-operating organizations worked together to raise the other $1,000,000; Better Health Together, Empire Health Foundation Community Action Fund, Providence Health Care, MultiCare Health Systems, Kaiser Permanente, Molina Health Care, Amerigroup, Community Health Plan of Washington, and Coordinated Care.
Thank you to all these funders and the countless community members, health care members, housing organizations, church pastors, activists, and parents who came out to support this public health initiative. This is a critical first step to radically improving the oral health of our city.
Letters of Support
for Community Water Fluoridation - Letters of Support for Community Water Fluoridation
- Roe v. Wade BHT Board Position Statement
The BHT Board reaffirms our belief that reproductive rights are human rights, and vital to achieving health justice is ensuring all people have the highest level of autonomy and choice in determining what healthy looks like for them.
- Juneteenth celebrates freedom
The holiday points to need for continued work toward oral health equity. Juneteenth—or June 19—is this weekend. It commemorates the end of slavery in the… - Mental Health Challenges Don’t Have to Stop Oral Health Care
We’re shining a light on Smile Spokane’s Care Linkages Strategy and our impactful partnership with Frontier Behavioral Health (FBH). Overall health means oral health, physical health, and emotional and mental health. The care navigators at FBH help connect people living with mental challenges and illness to all kinds of support and care, including oral health care.
- Using Pronouns
Hey there! If you’ve recently received an email from us, been in a meeting with one of our staff, or been on our website, you might notice BHT employees introduce and identify themselves with their pronouns. Here’s a little more information on why we use pronouns.
- Culturally appropriate care helps expand dental access
During May, we’re celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In a post earlier this month, we showed you how we collaborate with health leaders to… - Meet Arcora Foundation’s new vice president
For Sunshine Monastrial, work is more than a job. She has dedicated her career to work that aligns with her personal commitment to social justice… - Collaboration leads to better health outcomes for the AAPI community
During May, we’re celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In a post, we share you how we collaborate with local health leaders to advance… - Black History Month highlights need for good oral and overall health for Black people
My team and I are passionate about advancing oral health equity. Arcora Foundation’s mission is to bend the arc of oral health toward equity. The… - An Oral Health Funder Leads With Equity In Its New Strategic Plan
This article was originally published in the HealthAffairs GrantWatch blog. By Joe Finkbonner and Vanetta Abdellatif | December 7, 2021 The data are undeniable: oral health disparities… - Board of Trustees receives national recognition for diversity, equity and inclusion
At Arcora Foundation, our name reflects our mission—bending the arc of oral health towards equity. Our Board of Trustees understands the importance equity, along with… - October is LGBTQIA+ History MonthOctober is LGBTQIA+ History Month, an opportunity to reflect on the work and sacrifice of LGBTQIA+ advocates and leaders that have changed the course of our…
- Tribal Partners Leadership Council meeting notes & materialsNovember/December 2021 Slides December Mentimeter responses October 2021 Meeting notes TPLC Participatory Design – link to Mentimeter activity September 2021 Meeting notes TPLC Participatory Design…
- Fluoridation: Improving Children’s Oral Health
By Dr. Deb Harper – The first time I saw a child with teeth destroyed to the gumlines, I thought he had ectodermal dysplasia. Never heard of that? It’s a very rare inborn condition. I had seen it twice during my training at Cook County Hospital, but I had never seen what this Spokane boy had in the spring of 1985. Cavities had rotted out all of his front teeth. The difference? Chicago’s water is fluoridated. Spokane’s water is not.
- Toothsavers Sealants Program: School-based Sealants
Sign your primary and middle-school children up for the Toothsavers Sealants program to receive sealant dental care while they are in school. Toothsavers is a mobile team of experienced, caring dental hygienists who provide dental care in school settings during school hours across Spokane County.
- Recognizing the value of community health centers
I’ve been grateful to serve in the public health sector. I am proud of the work that Multnomah County Health FQHC clients, colleagues and I… - Together We Can Stop COVID-19
COVID-19 has taken a toll on our region. At Better Health Together (BHT), we are working with community partners to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible. BHT is committed to an equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution process that removes the barriers many people in our region face accessing the vaccine.
BHT and our community partners launched a 2021 campaign to normalize vaccination, which features leaders, influencers, and health experts from across the region sharing their vaccine stories and encouraging others to get vaccinated. Our Trusted Messenger COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign is running on TV, cable, and radio across Eastern Washington. You’ll also see billboards and print ads, as well as digital ads and social media content.
As a part of this effort, we have developed resources for partners can access and share!
- Medicaid Adult Dental Services See Impressive Reimbursement Rate Increases
It’s official! As of July 1, 2021, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) has increased reimbursement rates by 100% for nearly all adult dental… - Trusted Messengers – COVID-19 Vaccine Billboards
We’ve created several billboards for our COVID-19 Vaccine Trusted Messenger that can be seen throughout our region.
- Facilitator Bio – Mark IngoldbyHello my name is Mark Ingoldby and I have lived in Washington my whole life. Early on in my life I wanted to help people…
- Honoring Pride and the Stonewall Uprising in 2021
It’s easy to get excited by the vibrancy and welcoming atmosphere of Pride Month festivities. Pride celebrations are known for an abundance of bright colors, catchy music, glitter, and joy. On the flip side, it’s uncomfortable to reflect on the historic and ongoing struggle of LGBTQ+ individuals to achieve equality in the US. Still, Pride also calls on us to acknowledge this history.
This year is a record-breaking year for anti-LGBTQ legislation, and the challenges facing LGBTQ individuals continue. It’s crucial for allies to actively support the LGBTQ+ community by educating themselves, understanding the history of LGBT rights and the importance of the Stonewall Uprising. In honor of Pride 2021, take a little time to research something new about LGBTQ history. Then, find new ways to take action and share the story of Stonewall and Pride with your community.
- Advancing Oral Health Equity This Legislative SessionThe 2021 legislative session has come to a close. Arcora Foundation joined with partners to secure several important wins for oral health equity. Increased Funding…
- A Call for Continued Work Towards Equity
Yesterday afternoon, my colleagues and I took time to reflect on the conviction of Derek Chauvin in the brutal murder of George Floyd. We… - Reflections on the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in RwandaReflections from Hadley Morrow, Director of Equity & Engagement This month, our Board meeting fell on April 7, the International Day of Reflection on the…
- COVID-19 Vaccine Trusted MessengersCreating Vaccine Equity Better Health Together (BHT) recognizes that vaccination information and resources are not accessible to all communities equitably. We’re collaborating with local community…
- Black History Month ResourcesDonate Black Lives Matter NAACP The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center Educate yourself Online Resources Oprah Magazine Facing History – Black History Month…
- Does community water fluoridation affect IQ? No.
Several studies have examined the association between fluoride exposure and cognitive deficits and have found either no correlation or a correlation that is favorable toward cognitive outcomes. Check out the evidence!
- P4P meeting materials – February 10, 2021Agenda Slides Recording Notes Medium Contract Addendum 5.01 Excel 1 – P4P update w trends + state + priority measures_Jan2021 Excel 2 – Achievement Value…
- Because You Are Hoodies
Lake Roosevelt Community Health Centers and Keller School District collaborated with Cody Miller at Unitary Apparel to create and distribute these awesome hoodies! Check out… - Black History Month Still Matters!
The observance of Black History Month may be set aside for the shortest month of February, but we should celebrate African and African American culture and our legacy of contributions to the world all year long. Black history is happening daily!
Don’t wait until next February to learn more about African & African American culture and history!
- P4P meeting materials – February 9, 2021Agenda Slides Charter template Driver Diagram template Excel – P4P update w trends + state priority measures_Jan2021 Excel – Achievement Value (AV) translation corrected updated…
- Preserving State Adult Dental Program Promotes Health Equity
By Andrew Lofton and Vanetta Abdellatif | January 15, 2021 In this year of near constant turmoil, the pandemic has had a major impact in… - A Message of Hope and ReflectionBy Vanetta Abdellatif The beginning of a new year is an opportunity for many of us to make course corrections in our lives. To become…
- Support Health Equity by Supporting Apple Health
By Fred Kiga | December 31, 2020 We all hope that our communities, state, and nation will enjoy a resurgence of health, optimism, and healing… - Action to Advance Equity
Last June, we issued a statement against racism, inequity and injustice and called for change to ensure that justice and compassion are reflected in our… - Equity Workgroup Contacts listWorkgroup Contacts list – updated Mar 2021 Note that there is one tab for each workgroup
- We Count Washington Wants Everyone to Know: “We’re Here. We Count.”
The Census determines how billions of dollars in federal funding are distributed each year—including funding for health care, schools, community programs, and more. We Count… - Press Release: Arcora Foundation Grants Will Help 17 Tribes Address Coronavirus Impacts
For immediate release: August 11, 2020 SEATTLE – With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to have a major impact in many areas of the state, especially… - Celebrate Community Health Centers Working to Improve Health for All
Bob Marsalli and Ji Choi, DDS Community Health Centers (CHCs) are the lifeblood of our health care safety net. They provide essential health, dental, and… - US Public Health Service Dental Directors Issue Statement Supporting Community Water Fluoridation
Celebrating 75 years of improved oral health Community water fluoridation is hailed as one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century. It… - Press Release: Arcora Foundation Provides $4 Million to Help Dental Safety Net and Tribal Clinics Deal with the Impacts of COVID-19
Many safety net dental clinics are facing unprecedented financial challenges. Arcora Foundation Provides $4 Million to Help Dental Safety Net and Tribal Clinics Deal with… - Feedback request: Behavioral Health Access Report draft
Seeking feedback by July 1 on the draft Behavioral Health Access Report, produced for BHT by Providence CORE and Community Health Strategies LLC.
- BHI Sustaining Improved Access to Telehealth
The Behavioral Health Institute (BHI) has released an Executive Summary & a Summary of Relaxed Regulations regarding improved access to telehealth during COVID.