Letter to the Editor: Pacific County knows best: Approve Proposition No. 1

Healthcare access is fundamental to achieving equity in all forms, yet it continues to be underprioritized. As the policy and advocacy director of Inatai Foundation, I know the Foundation is deeply engaged in campaigning for policies that directly impact the lives of Washingtonians. Proposition No. 1 presents a pivotal opportunity for Pacific County residents to shape the future of healthcare in their communities and help reduce some of the health disparities that persist in this part of the state. This measure is about local decision-making, self-determination, and ensuring that healthcare access isn’t dictated by geography or outside interests.

The current healthcare infrastructure in Pacific County, burdened by decades of underinvestment, has deepened racial and economic disparities for communities of color and low-income families. The consequences of inadequate healthcare access extend beyond individual health outcomes — they affect families, workplaces, and the broader economic stability of the region. Proposition No. 1 provides a viable, community-driven solution to begin addressing these disparities by ensuring that essential medical services are available and accessible to all residents.

At its core, this measure represents an investment in people. By authorizing the construction and expansion of local healthcare facilities, Proposition No. 1 will increase capacity, improve service delivery, and enhance the quality of care available to all residents. Strengthening local healthcare infrastructure is not merely a short-term fix, it’s a necessary step to safeguard the well-being of future generations.

Proposition No. 1 gives Pacific County residents an opportunity to exercise community power and create lasting change. It’s an investment in healthcare services that many families count on now — and will continue to need in the future. Approving this measure would ensure that critical medical services are available close to home, reduce the burden of long travel for care, and improve the infrastructure that supports the health and well-being of the entire community.

This is a defining moment for Pacific County. Vote to APPROVE Proposition No. 1.

By NICK ALLEN Policy & Advocacy Director, Inatai Foundation