Community Choices was formed following a 1993 Southwest Washington Health District-funded study that assessed the overall well-being of Clark County. Since its formation, the nonprofit has been directly or indirectly responsible for a number of key improvements in Clark County:
- The establishment of the SWIFT Dental Clinic in 1998
- The creation of Family Resource Centers in Vancouver schools, beginning in 1999
- Support for and passage of Initiative 901 in 2005, prohibiting smoking in all places of employment
- Establishment of a Food Systems Council in 2006, encouraging “buy local” campaigns and community gardens
“This is a bittersweet moment,” said John Wiesman, former Clark County public health director and a member of the Community Choices advisory board. “Community Choices has done so much to galvanize this community. I know the board has made an informed decision, and it appears the effectiveness of this organizational model has run its course. Now comes the real challenge: Who steps in to fill this void? I’m confident this community will pick up the torch so we can continue on the path to a healthier, more vibrant future.”
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