Communities Connect (CC) started informally seven years ago as Communities That Won’t Wait. Under the leadership of Dr. Bob Crittenden, Harborview Family Medical Program, Communities Connect evolved into a statewide association of community-based coalitions dedicated to implementing local changes to ensure better healthcare access. In January 2005, Communities Connect elected officers, expanded its membership, began collecting membership dues, and established a reputation for providing policymakers with quality information and nonpartisan community based solutions to healthcare problems.

Communities Connect promotes the sharing of best practices across the state and uses the combined voice of its membership to affect changes in state programs that support community solutions to health care access. Current CC membership includes two statewide organizations and 10 coalitions representing 26 of the 39 counties in Washington State.

Legal Status: CC is not formally incorporated.  The Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access provides administrative support for Communities Connect.

Officers
Chair: Patty Hayes, WithinReach
Vice Chair: Larry Thompson, Whatcom Alliance for Healthcare Access
Secretary: Cynthia Eichner, Skagit County Alliance for Healthcare Access
Treasurer: Kristen West, CHOICE Regional Health Network
Member-at-large: Rhonda Hauff, Yakima Neighborhood Health Services
Member-at-large: Rick MacCornak, Northwest Physician's Network
Member-at-large: Sallie Neillie, King County Project Access