CHOICE is the Accountable Community of Health (ACH) for Central Western Washington.
We are a regional, non-profit (501(c)(3)), organization that collaborates with state and local partners to improve people’s health and wellbeing in the communities we serve.
CHOICE stands for Community Health Organization Improving Care and Equity. We are built on the belief that meaningful and positive change can be achieved with strong partnerships and innovative approaches. We work behind the scenes to support and strengthen a system of community-based care coordination that helps people access the services they need, when they need them.
Nine ACHs were established by the Health Care Authority to be neutral conveners, investors, and coordinating bodies between the health care delivery system and local communities in each distinct geographic area. Today, ACHs focus on whole-person health, recognizing that health extends beyond medical care to include social determinants such as housing, education, income, and access to services. Like the other ACHs, CHOICE continues to strengthen partnerships, make strategic investments, and implement community-driven solutions to help build a more connected and equitable region.
Our Mission
We connect individuals with a robust network of providers delivering community-based care and support. We improve the health of our region by investing in community strengths.
Our Vision
A healthy Central Western Washington where everyone is connected, everyone belongs, and everyone thrives.
Our Values
- Accountability: We set clear expectations, follow through on our commitments and take ownership of our actions. Equity:
- Equity: We work for a future where every person, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the care and support they need to thrive. Passion:
- Passion: We are deeply committed to our mission, bringing energy, purpose, and heart to everything we do. Innovation:
- Innovation: We embrace new ideas and adapt to meet the evolving needs of our communities. Connection:
- Connection: We build trust and collaboration, knowing that strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful change. Respect:
- Respect: We honor the dignity of every person, approaching our work with empathy, openness, and a belief in people’s inherent strengths.
Our History
1995
CHOICE Regional Health Network (CRHN) was established by hospitals in the region to bring together non-profit health care providers for collective work.
1995 - 2012
CRHN worked on various projects, including addressing language and medical barriers, and providing access to Medicaid for children (CHIP)
2012 – 2013
Washington Health Care Authority received a $1M SIM Round 1 planning grant to create the State Health Care Innovation Plan, which led to the 1115 waiver application.
2014
Washington State legislation supported the creation of nine Accountable Communities of Health (ACH) across the state. The Health Care Authority selected CRHN to serve as the ACH for Central Western Washington, which was defined geographically to include seven counties: Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Thurston, and Wahkiakum.
CRHC established Cascade Pacific Action Alliance, LLC (CPAA), to serve as the ACH. The purpose of the Cascade Pacific Action Alliance (CPAA) was to improve community health and safety while advancing the Triple Aim: improving the patient experience of care, including quality and satisfaction; improving the health of populations; and reducing per capita health care costs.
2017-2018
The Health Care Authority and Department of Social and Health Services secured the Medication Transformation Project (MTP), which was an 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The region selected 6 of 8 approved strategies and CRHN earned revenue based on key performance indicators. One of those key strategies was to develop a Community Care Hub.
2020
The Community Care Hub expands with support of the WA Care Connect Grant.
2021
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) grants a one-year extension to WA’s MTP waiver. CRHN/CPAA continues grant investments and the 6 MTP strategies, including the Community Care Hub.
2022
The Health Care Authority submits a 5-year renewal application (MTP 2.0). CRHN/CPAA continues to invest in MTP 1.0 strategies and the Community Care Hub.
2023
Washington receives a new 5-year, 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver (MTP 2.0), from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The MTP 2.0 project is slated to go through June 2028. Washington’s key goals include advancing whole-person primary, preventive, and home- and community-based care, and accelerating care delivery and payment innovations that address health-related social needs.
CRHN/CPAA boards merge into one, maintaining CRHN's nonprofit status and official name and ending CPAA. CHOICE draws upon its original name’s acronym to become Community Health Organization Improving Care and Equity. CHOICE continues its investment in the Community Care Hub.
2024 - 2025
MTP 2.0 focuses on Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN). Community-based Care Coordination goes live across the state via the nine ACH’s Community Care Hubs. CHOICE began to increase referral services, invest in health equity planning and network development.
2026
In partnership with Community Based Workers and Community Care Agencies, CHOICE developed the CHOICE Connect program, the Community Care Hub’s approach to social care coordination. CHOICE also launched a new care coordination platform in July 2026.
The Community Care Hub supports 19 Community Care Agencies that operate in local communities across the region. These agencies employ around 120 Community-Based Workers and Supervisors providing CHOICE Connect services. CHOICE provides technology, technical support and training, and monitors compliance and analyzes composite data. CHOICE continues to focus on network development and listening to the community to drive community-based solutions.
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