Strategic Initiatives
For 25 years, the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley (CHT) has promoted health equity in the Pajaro Valley. Our commitment began in 1998 when we responded to the urgent need for diabetes education. Today, our strategic direction centers around health equity and wellness through the promotion of activities, choices, and lifestyles that prevent illness and enhance quality of life. This strategic initiative led to new programs, including VeggieRx, El Mercado Farmers Market, and Community Gardens.
CHT provides the tools and resources to empower Pajaro Valley residents to make simple lifestyle changes, leading to longer and more fulfilling lives. By prioritizing prevention and addressing the root causes of diseases, we aim to create lasting positive impacts on individuals’ health. We also recognize that many chronic illnesses are influenced by societal issues such as poverty and food insecurity. To address these challenges, we implement interventions that target the social, environmental, and behavioral determinants of health.
New and future initiatives include:
- Community Gardens – in partnership with the City of Watsonville and Monterey Bay Master Gardeners, we are building three new community gardens in low-income Watsonville communities to increase access to fresh, nutritious food.
- Active Wellness – with support from the Central California Alliance for Health, we are launching new exercise and movement classes at Callaghan Park. The classes will be free for Medi-Cal members.
- allcove Pajaro Valley – we are leading a collaborative effort to build a new holistic mental health drop-in center for youth 12-25 that follows the allcove™ model developed by Stanford University’s Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing.
- Artist Residencies – with a grant from the Central Coast Creative Corps Program, a pilot program funded by the California Arts Council, we are working with three local artists (Carlos Campos, Isabel Contreras, and Eugenia Renteria) to raise awareness of the health disparities in the Pajaro Valley and recognize the solutions and individuals who are making a difference.
Mission
Our mission is to foster a healthy and equitable community for all in the Pajaro Valley through leadership in advocacy, collaboration, and wellness.
Vision
We envision an equitable Pajaro Valley with health, wellness, and a full quality of life for all.
Health Equity
Definition: An equal and fair opportunity for every individual to attain the highest level of health and wellness regardless of socio-economic barriers.
- Goal 1: CHT is an influential leader in health equity for the tri-county area
- Goal 2: CHT drives community awareness and leads policy change to reduce health disparities in the Tri County Region
Wellness
Definition: The active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that emphasize preventing illness and improving quality of life, as opposed to emphasizing disease treatment.
- Goal 1: CHT provides innovative, community-led and culturally relevant wellness programs
- Goal 2: CHT collaborates with community partners to promote healthy lifestyles
Organization
Definition: Goals and strategies to improve the organization and its operations.
- Goal 1: CHT achieves operational excellence through improved fiscal strength and governance, with the ability to adapt to a changing health environment.
- Goal 2: Improve visibility and recognition of CHT’s role in achieving health equity and wellness
