In 2025, Project Access Northwest expanded its footprint in Washington state by opening a new office in Spokane, marking a significant step in bringing essential health and social services to Eastern Washington’s uninsured and underinsured residents. This milestone was made possible through extensive consultation and collaborative discussions with CHAS Health, the Arcora Foundation, Better Health Together, MultiCare and countless individuals. Through careful planning, we placed our first dedicated staff member in the region to lead outreach and service coordination.
Eastern Washington faces unique challenges in health coverage and access. In Spokane County, approximately 15,000 residents are uninsured, meaning thousands lack access to care and stability that a reliable health insurance plan provides. Across Washington State, roughly 6.2% of people remain without health insurance, underscoring the ongoing need for targeted support and connection to care.
These coverage gaps are occurring against a backdrop of increasing cuts to health care programs and supports across Washington State. Reductions in public health funding, safety-net services, and coverage programs are creating new barriers for low-income and medically vulnerable residents. As resources shrink, many individuals risk losing access to care altogether, which could drive uninsured rates higher—particularly in rural and medically underserved areas like Eastern Washington. Project Access Northwest’s expansion into Spokane is a direct response to this shifting landscape, ensuring that as systems contract, community-based care coordination expands.
Since opening our doors in Spokane in 2025, Project Access Northwest has served more than 3,000 uninsured and underinsured residents of Eastern Washington, roughly 20% of the uninsured population. Our work spans a wide range of services, including:
- Connecting 165 individuals to dental care through our DentistLink program.
- Facilitating access to donated behavioral health services through our Pro Bono Health program for people who might otherwise go without critical support.
- Supporting enrollment in health insurance through our Premium Assistance program — helping people stay covered and avoid gaps in care.
- Addressing social drivers of health, such as housing instability, food insecurity, and transportation barriers that profoundly influence health outcomes.
Each of these services is grounded in Project Access Northwest’s person-centered model, which meets people where they are and partners with them to navigate complex systems that often prevent access to care.
Our progress in Eastern Washington would not be possible without the invaluable partnership with MultiCare. Together, we’re bridging gaps in access and helping more community members connect with the care they need — from preventive services to specialty care and social supports.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Project Access Northwest will continue to deepen its presence in Eastern Washington, building on momentum behind its statewide programs to reach more residents, strengthen partnerships, and expand equitable access to care throughout the region.