Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) started Communities of Focus to improve health disparities in six communities.

To encourage power sharing and co-leadership with community members, TPCHD adopted a neighbors-first approach utilizing staff with lived experience. This allowed residents to directly communicate health concerns, co-lead community coalitions, and influence policy decisions that directly impacted their health.

“Building a community’s trust is not transactional—it’s a long-term investment,” said Marcy Boulet, Communities of Focus health promotion coordinator and TPCHD’s community liaison.

TPCHD acts as a bridge between communities and policymakers to increase visibility of community-driven efforts. Community members also co-create programs through the initiative including capacity-building workshops, food programs, and a community garden.

Cultivating relationships, building trust, and listening to feedback from the community enabled TPCHD to prioritize community needs and implement effective solutions throughout the county and department.

“Civic engagement is the heart of health equity. It gives people agency and voice. When communities are engaged civically, they experience better mental and physical wellbeing, creating conditions for lasting, positive change,” Leah Ford, TPCHD program manager, said.