Given that oral health is health, it is important for health advocates to elevate racial, social, and economic disparities within oral health access, affordability, and outcomes. Community Catalyst, a nonprofit national health advocacy organization dedicated to advancing the movement for health equity and justice, does just this.

By Cindy Beck, Diabetes Program Coordinator, Squaxin Island Tribe in collaboration with the NWRPCA Workforce Development Team

Nestled between the vibrant city of Olympia, WA, and the serene surroundings of Shelton, WA, lies the heart of the Squaxin Island Tribe's community which stands as a beacon of tradition, resilience, and healthcare innovation.
 
The Squaxin Island Tribal health facility, a community cornerstone, operates under a dual designation an Indian Health Service (IHS) tribal health facility and a federally qualified health care center. Its doors are primarily open to tribal members, their descendants, and their families, providing a broad spectrum of care that transcends mere medical treatment to encompass a holistic approach to wellness. This commitment to health and well-being extends not only to the tribe's members, regardless of their marital status or background, but also to a significant portion of its workforce. Reflecting the challenges healthcare providers face everywhere, the facility recently found itself at a crossroads. Last summer, due to overwhelming demand that tested the bounds of capacity, the difficult decision was made to halt enrollment for employees who were not already part of the program and did not possess a tribal affiliation. In this context, the Squaxin Island Tribe's healthcare facility emerges not just as a provider of medical services but as a vital organ of the community, adapting to its internal needs and the pressures of an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.