Alliance Blog

The health of all Washingtonians has been a driving force behind the Washington Health Alliance since we expanded beyond the Puget Sound in 2013.  Now, we plan to increase our efforts on driving equity in health care across our state. There cannot be quality in health care without first addressing equity.   We’ve long known ...

When asked for bold steps in 2023 during State of Reform’s Washington Health Policy conference, Alliance Executive Director Dr. Drew Oliveira said it comes down to pushing outside the status quo.   “We are in Seattle where everyone tries to play nice – play nice in the sandbox, be friendly.  everyone needs to be a little ...

As we round out 2022, the Washington Health Alliance remains grateful for member and community support that has empowered us to develop new, innovative reports, bring organizations and individuals together on crucial healthcare issues, and drive change toward better health for all Washingtonians.   While the Alliance staff has accomplished much in the past year, projects ...

Last week, we attended the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions annual conference in Washington, DC.  The National Alliance brings together 45 coalitions from around the country to address topics of concern for everyone.  Most of these coalitions are purchaser-based ranging from non-profits, like WHA, to cooperatives and for-profit organizations.  This year was no different ...

Equitable access to high-value, appropriate care is core to the mission of the Washington Health Alliance and its 185 multi-stakeholder member organizations. However, a September ruling from a federal judge in Texas on a lawsuit attacking the Affordable Care Act may erode the progress our health care system has made toward that goal. We are ...

In recognition of the upcoming Transgender Awareness Week, and building off of its Pride Month documentary viewing and panel discussion, the Alliance has released an Action Brief that focuses on addressing barriers to behavioral health care for the LGBTQ+ community. Across Washington, LGBTQ+ population is estimated at 5.2% and represents about 6% of the workforce ...

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Washington’s state lawmakers expressed clear intentions to further protect reproductive rights, including access to abortion. In late October, a group of lawmakers joined Gov. Jay Inslee to highlight a legislative agenda for the coming 2023 session that will focus on protecting those ...

Earlier this month, the Alliance and its partner, the Foundation for Health Care Quality (FHCQ), hosted its fourth webinar in the “Change In Action” series that looks at how value is paid for in health care. The hourlong event, “Blowing up the Value Equation: Rethinking Value and How We Get There,” includes a discussion between ...

Last month I became the new executive director of the Washington Health Alliance (WHA) after having supported the Alliance for years as a former Board member, physician participant, and health plan leader. It is an honor to serve with such a dedicated staff and Board of Directors on the crucial work of improving the health of all ...

In honor of Pride Month, the Washington Health Alliance hosted a screening of Between the Shades, a documentary by director Jill Salvino. For those who were not able to attend and those who would like to watch it again, the Alliance has put together a video that includes the conversation and interviews with panelists and attendees. Please ...

An article in the Puget Sound Business Journal by Valerie Bauman reported on exciting new changes for the Alliance: “The Puget Sound Health Alliance has a new name to reflect its new, broader reach. Now called the Washington Health Alliance, the organization continues its work to track the quality of care at medical groups and ...