The Central Oregon Health Council (COHC) is pleased to introduce a bold new campaign—Be Well Central Oregon—to mark the launch of the 2025–2029 Regional Health Improvement Plan (RHIP). This initiative represents a transformative shift in how partners work together to build a healthier, more connected region.
“Be Well Central Oregon is more than a slogan—it’s a community call to action,” said Arianne Powell, executive director for COHC. “We’re focusing on what unites us: shared goals, strong partnerships, and the health and well-being of every person in Central Oregon.”
About the new direction
For over a decade, COHC has led RHIP implementation by organizing monthly workgroups and distributing project funding. With the launch of Be Well Central Oregon, COHC transitions into a connector, convener and amplifier role—aligning community efforts rather than directing them.
The new model aims to:
- Facilitate partnerships across sectors and communities
- Match organizations with shared goals to build synergy and enhance collaboration
- Offer partial funding for aligned initiatives
- Share data, tools and learnings to inform action
- Adapt to the community’s evolving needs
This evolution builds on lessons learned and emphasizes sustainability through shared ownership, equity and transparency.
Take action: Complete the RFI survey
COHC invites all partners (current and future) to participate in a new Request for Information (RFI) survey, a key tool in mapping and aligning regional health efforts.
Click here to complete the RFI survey.
Why community response matters:
- To showcase partner work and impact
- To uncover new collaboration opportunities
- To inform funding and resource alignment
- To shape the direction of the RHIP
“The RFI will help us map the RHIP ecosystem and lift up the incredible work already underway,” said Gwen Jones, COHC’s director of community strategy. “We encourage every organization working on community health to participate—it’s about making partner impact visible and helping us shape a stronger, more aligned regional effort.”
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
This article appears in Source Weekly July 3, 2025.
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