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You come first

You Come First

Washingtonians Expect More From Health Systems. And So Do We.

At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH), we know that exceptional health care begins with truly seeing and hearing every individual we serve. That’s why we’ve launched You Come First—to underscore our unwavering commitment to providing compassionate, inclusive and patient-centered care across all communities in Washington. Our mission is clear: to create a health system where every voice is heard and every need is met.

You Come First focuses on tackling some of today’s most pressing health care challenges:

  • Advancing health equity by increasing access to care for underserved populations.
  • Supporting specialized care for LGBTQ+ patients, behavioral health and women’s health. 
  • Building healthy communities and investing in youth violence prevention and food security efforts.

How we’re putting patients first:

  • Longer appointment times allow for meaningful conversations with physicians.
  • Empowering patients with the information and support needed to make the best decisions for their health.
  • Encouraging open and honest discussions—because your care, your voice, and your needs come first.

Our efforts extend beyond individual care to include partnerships with local organizations and leaders that improve the health and well-being of our communities. These partnerships reflect our deep commitment to compassion, collaboration, inclusion, integrity and clinical excellence—values that guide every decision we make.

We invite you to explore the powerful stories behind this work. From initiatives tackling food insecurity and expanding access to behavioral health services to groundbreaking innovations in postpartum care, these stories illustrate how we live our mission every day.

Together, we can build healthier, more resilient communities. Because at VMFH, You Come First.

Our Legacy of Care: Building Healthy Communities for Over a Century

At VMFH, caring for our communities isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. For more than 130 years, we have stood as a trusted partner in health, dedicated to creating healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities across the Puget Sound region.

From our beginnings in 1891, when the Sisters of St. Francis opened St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma to care for those most in need, to today’s world-class, comprehensive health system across the Puget Sound region, our mission remains steadfast: to serve everyone with dignity, compassion, and respect. We’ve carried this calling forward by delivering innovative, patient-centered care and forming partnerships that address the unique needs of the people and neighborhoods we serve.

As a faith-based, not-for-profit organization, we embrace diversity in all its forms. We believe every individual deserves access to quality health care—without exception, without hesitation. This includes providing care for communities of color, LGBTQ+ patients, patients insured through Medicaid, and others who have historically faced barriers to care. Whether it’s through extended appointment times, safe spaces for meaningful conversations, or safe transfer of care for non-urgent services we don’t provide, we prioritize listening and empowering every patient to make informed decisions about their health.

Our commitment extends beyond clinical care. From food security initiatives to behavioral health programs and violence prevention efforts, we work hand-in-hand with community organizations to address the social determinants of health and ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Today, VMFH operates as one of Washington’s largest health systems, blending state-of-the-art medicine with a legacy of humankindness. We’re proud to be a trusted source of care for the most vulnerable in our communities, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks, while fostering collaboration to build a healthier future for all.

At VMFH, we don’t just deliver care—we create lasting partnerships that help people and communities flourish. This is our legacy. This is our promise.

How We Care for You: Listening, Supporting and Empowering

At VMFH, we believe exceptional health care begins with listening. That’s why, at the heart of You Come First, is a commitment to truly understand and address your unique needs. Every patient deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported, and we’re here to ensure that happens—every time.

More Time to Care
We understand that your health care is about more than just appointments—it’s about building relationships based on trust. That’s why we offer longer appointment times, giving you and your physician the space to have meaningful conversations about your health. This extra time allows us to listen deeply, answer your questions, and collaborate on decisions that feel right for you.

Speak Freely, We’re Listening
We are committed to creating an environment where no conversation is off-limits. Whether discussing routine care, reproductive health services, complex health issues or sensitive topics, we provide a safe, private space where you can share openly, knowing your voice matters. Your physician is your partner in care, ensuring you’re empowered with all the information and options you need.

Your Privacy, Our Priority
Every patient deserves the confidence that their care is handled with the utmost respect and discretion. At VMFH, we prioritize physician-patient privacy, fostering a secure and judgment-free environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your health.

Care for All, Without Exception
No matter who you are or where you come from, you are welcome here. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are committed to providing equitable care for every individual. From patients navigating Medicaid to those in underserved or marginalized communities, our care is rooted in compassion, inclusion, and respect.

Guiding You Every Step of the Way
If there’s a service we can’t provide, we won’t leave you to figure it out alone. Instead, we’ll provide a safe transfer of care for non-urgent services we do not provide, so that your care journey remains seamless and supported.

At VMFH, we don’t just treat illnesses—we care for people. You Come First is a reflection of humankindness and our values of compassion, clinical excellence and inclusion. By fostering open communication and building trusting relationships, we ensure that you feel truly cared for, supported and empowered to live a healthier life.

How We Care for Our Communities: Building a Healthier Tomorrow Together

At VMFH, our mission extends far beyond the walls of our hospitals and clinics. Through You Come First, we reaffirm our commitment to creating healthier, more resilient communities across Washington. Guided by humankindness and our values of compassion, clinical excellence, and inclusion, we are tackling barriers to care through meaningful partnerships and innovative programs.

  • Reducing Health Disparities
    Through regular Community Health Needs Assessments and our Community Health Improvement Grant program, we collaborate with local leaders and organizations to identify and address the region’s most pressing challenges, with a special focus on reducing health disparities. By aligning resources with specific needs, we create impactful, lasting solutions. In the past two years alone, we’ve granted more than $3.4 million to support local organizations working to improve health and well-being across our communities, prioritizing initiatives that address the root causes of health inequities and advance health equity.

  • Preventing Violence and Promoting Safety
    We lead efforts to create safer communities through violence prevention programs in south King County and throughout Puget Sound. These initiatives include reducing youth violence, expanding gender-based violence and response, and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive in a safe environment.

  • Ensuring Food Security and Nutrition
    In partnership with organizations like the Emergency Food Network and South Kitsap Helpline, we deliver food boxes and support local food banks, providing families and individuals with access to nutritious, culturally relevant meals. Our hospitals donate prepared food from our cafeterias to hot meal programs across Puget Sound. Addressing food insecurity helps promote overall wellness and reduce health disparities in the communities we serve.
     
  • Fostering Community Collaboration
    As a founding partner of the Blue Zones Project in Parkland-Spanaway, we’re helping people live healthier, fuller lives by creating environments that support well-being. These collaborations demonstrate our belief that strong, thriving communities are built through connection, care, and shared purpose.

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