In the Executive Office of Strategic Partnerships, we work to shape, support, and strengthen relationships with a broad array of partners. We believe that partnership is a process, not a product—and we are committed to building ongoing relationships in support of public health priorities.
We do this by:
- Empowering those within our agency with guidance, resources, and connections.
- Working across public and private sectors to develop innovative and mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Collaborating with internal and external partners to help advance equity, health, and safety for all people in our state.
Our partners include:
- Members of the governmental public health system, including local health jurisdictions, tribes and tribal epidemiology centers, and the State Board of Health
- Federally recognized tribes
- Tribal organizations and Urban Indian Health Programs
- Federal, state, and local government agencies
- Members of the K-12 and higher education systems
- Community-based organizations
- Members of the private sector
- Foundations, boards, and commissions
Example of Partnership in Action
COVID-19 Vaccine Action Command and Coordination System (VACCS)
Gov. Jay Inslee formed the Department of Health VACCS Center in January 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has since been recognized as a national leader and model. The VACCS Center created public-private partnerships to support the administration of 45,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses a day in the safest, fastest, and most equitable manner. This goal was exceeded by late February 2021, once vaccine supply to the state increased.