Consumer Representation

More readily available and understandable information about the quality and cost of health care can help different stakeholders—including consumers and patients—learn what it takes to achieve good health care and make better choices. Consumers must take an active, engaged role to improve the quality of health care in their communities.

The participation of consumer organizations in the work of the Puget Sound Health Alliance helps with a broad range of community-based activities designed to get consumers to take an active role in their own care and make informed choices, from understanding their own conditions and available treatments, to making decisions based on information about the performance of health care providers.

The following organizations are active participants with the Alliance in improving the quality and value of care in our region.

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information about the disease and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes.

American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a national, voluntary health agency that fosters appropriate cardiac care in an effort to build healthier lives and to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Center for MultiCultural Health

The mission of the Center for MultiCultural Health is to promote the health and well-being of diverse communities—including individuals from communities of color, individuals with limited English proficiency, immigrants and refugees—through innovative health advocacy, health promotion, disease prevention and immigrant and refugee service programs.

Mental Health Action

Mental Health Action is a grassroots, statewide, consumer-run organization whose goals include being a change agent regarding policy and plan development that affects mental health services; supporting individuals with mental health challenges, thus promoting hope, recovery and resiliency among individuals with mental health challenges; and promoting individuals to become empowered through education and advocacy.

YMCA of Greater Seattle

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is a charitable organization serving King and south Snohomish counties, that provides safe and caring environments, positive role models, creative activities and opportunities to serve the needs of others and build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

University Presbyterian Church, Seattle, WA

University Presbyterian Church, located near the University of Washington, has a congregation of more than 4,500 members and serves the surrounding community through a number of ministries, including those for health, social services and families.