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Our History

In 1997, Cowlitz County Health Department published its first report, Project 2020: the Health of Cowlitz County. More than a year had been devoted in researching various health indicators. Focus groups and local agencies gave their input for current emerging health concerns and a leadership committee called Pathways 2020 provided oversight and guidance to the project. In the fall of 1997, the Cowlitz County Community Report Card was issued. This had an immediate impact on agencies and policy makers regarding the health of families and the local economy. The Report Card served as a road sign to help the community to decide how best to respond to these needs.

Pathways 2020 has evolved from its initial leadership committee to a non-profit, tax-exempt organization with an independent board of directors. Cowlitz Economic Development Council provides management oversight with key support provided by Kaiser Permanente, PeaceHealth, and the Cowlitz County Health Department.

In 2002 Pathways 2020 produced its third Cowlitz County Community Report. Data collection, analysis and planning are now underway for the fourth Cowlitz County Community Report Card to be released in 2004.

Pathways 2020 has taken on new responsibilities for substance abuse reduction in Longview in partnership with the Police Department for the Drug Free Communities Project. This project mobilizes resources in the Highlands and 33rd and Dorothy neighborhoods to reduce youth substance abuse and to involve residents in asset based community development. Pathways 2020 also contracts with the Lower Columbia College Head Start/ECEAP program and provides services for their community relations, volunteer recruitment, community presentations, and parent advocacy. A new project in 2005 will be a partnership with the Cowlitz County Health Department to create a countywide nutrition and physical activity plan and support a local collation to improve consumer knowledge and understanding of nutrition, physical activity, and healthy lifestyles.

On going services through Pathways 2020 include grant writing, facilitation of community meetings, strategic planning, program evaluation, research, and communication of community events.

The development of a One-Stop Work Source Center for Cowlitz County is a project involving the Southwest Washington Work Force Development Council, Employment Security, and Lower Columbia Community Action Council. Pathways 2020 assists the project with facilities search and development and integration of WorkSource services.

MISSION STATEMENT

"Pathways 2020 will promote and improve the health and well being of Cowlitz County by fostering community partnerships that provide the fabric and support each person needs to be a healthy and contributing member of the community."

Adopted January 10, 2000

 

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