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Health Equity

Breaking Barriers in Communities for Better Health

At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH), care extends beyond the clinic walls, addressing the real-world challenges patients face every day. For the Franciscan Medical Clinic in Port Orchard, this commitment has taken shape through a medically tailored food box program designed to support patients with diabetes who are also navigating food insecurity and mobility challenges.

“This program is about helping people where they live—where their health decisions are made,” said Clinic Manager Diane Kropp-Wolner.

Through a partnership with South Kitsap Helpline, the program delivers fresh, nutritious foods directly to patients’ homes. Each box is carefully designed to meet the dietary needs of patients, offering an alternative to processed goods often found in food pantries. Funded by a $500,000 community health improvement grant from VMFH, the program has already shown significant results: hospital admissions have decreased by 61%, and emergency room visits are down by 75% among enrolled participants.

“For many of our patients, it’s about reducing impossible choices,” said Amanda Carter, a clinical pharmacist at VMFH. “Choosing between paying bills or affording healthy food is a burden this program helps lift.”

Patients are referred to the program directly by their physicians, ensuring seamless coordination with South Kitsap Helpline. Once enrolled, patients receive deliveries every other week, sourced locally through partnerships with Cascadia Produce and DoorDash. “It’s all local,” Kropp-Wolner shared. “From the produce to the delivery drivers, it’s a community effort that makes a real difference.”

South Kitsap Helpline Executive Director Jennifer Hardison has seen the program’s positive impact firsthand, particularly for patients unable to access food banks due to mobility or transportation challenges.

“This is about more than just food,” Hardison said. “It’s about health, dignity, and hope.”

By addressing food insecurity and its impact on chronic conditions like diabetes, VMFH demonstrates its unwavering commitment to the community. This program is more than medicine—it’s a testament to what’s possible when health care providers meet people where they are, offering care that truly changes lives.
   

Build 2 Lead

Build 2 Lead: Transforming the Lives of South King County Youth

Build 2 Lead (B2L) is empowering youth of color with tools to reshape systems and build brighter futures. Formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as health disparities widened locally and nationally, B2L set out to create non-traditional pathways for BIPOC youth through innovative programs and partnerships.

Since its inception, B2L has partnered with Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) to foster opportunities for diverse youth in health care while addressing health disparities and improving patient outcomes.

“They are a phenomenal partner aligned with our mission, values, and vision for better health and a more equitable health care system—especially for our most vulnerable communities,” said Michael Cox, Chief Mission Officer for VMFH and CommonSpirit Health’s Northwest Region.

B2L’s initiatives with VMFH include impactful programs such as:

  • The P.O.W.E.R. Conference Connection, which connects students and families with professionals in health care, fitness, mental health, and more.

  • Melanin and Medicine, a networking and mentorship event where youth engage with medical professionals to explore career opportunities and celebrate their community. This year, more than 100 youth participated in workshops led by VMFH team members, exploring roles in nursing, medicine, non-clinical careers, and hands-on clinic experiences.

  • Partnerships with The Morehouse School of Medicine, creating pipelines for young talent to enter the health care field.

This work recently earned B2L a Health Justice Award from The Lloyd Dean Institute for Humankindness and Health Justice at CommonSpirit Health, recognizing their meaningful impact on the community.

“This award is an important milestone for B2L,” said founder Jimmy Brown. “We’re excited to see what the next four years hold. This recognition is a cornerstone for us.”

During the award ceremony, Brown shared the story of a student whose life was transformed by B2L’s mentorship. Struggling with a low GPA, she was connected to a VMFH mentor who helped her improve academically and pursue a technical college degree. Today, she’s enrolled in a training program, advancing toward her health care career goals.

“When our facilities reflect the communities we serve, better care and outcomes follow,” said Doug Baxter-Jenkins, Region Director for Community Health at VMFH.

B2L plans to expand its efforts as more school districts express interest in engaging youth in health care.