OLYMPIA – Thurston County Public Health & Social Services has released the 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA) report, highlighting the issues community members suggest are affecting the health and well-being of people in Thurston County.

To reach as many people as possible, our staff attended 12 local events from August through November 2025, setting up tables to talk with residents and listen to their ideas. Our community partners also helped spread the word through outreach events, social media, and flyers. Due to these efforts, the assessment gathered input from more than 1,800 respondents who ranked their top community health priorities and challenges. While some groups (like those aged 65+ and female residents) participated in higher numbers, we reached enough people in every region of the county and demographic category to make sure everyone’s perspective in the county was counted. The resulting themes reflect the issues that most strongly shape the quality of life in Thurston County.

When asked what would most improve their quality of life, respondents overwhelmingly prioritized:

• Access to affordable housing (56%)
• Accessible healthcare services (53%)
• Access to affordable, healthy food (38%)
• Low crime & safe neighborhoods (28%) 
• Access to mental health & substance use services (27%) 

Respondents also identified their biggest community concerns as:

• Homelessness (71%) 
• Behavioral health concerns (68%)
• Drug misuse (48%) 
• Loneliness & Isolation (26%) 
• Violence-related trauma (26%) 

“These findings provide a clear picture of what matters most to our community,” said Dr. Jen Freiheit, Department Director of Thurston County Public Health & Social Services, “Residents are telling us that stable housing, access to care, and behavioral health supports are foundational to improving overall health and well-being. We are especially grateful to our Board of Health members who participated in outreach efforts and helped ensure community voices were heard. This report will help guide our priorities and partnerships in the years ahead”.

The 2025 Community Health Assessment report is a snapshot of data that will inform the County’s Community Health Improvement Plan. This plan will serve as a roadmap for policy development, resource allocation, and support collaboration with local partners, service providers, and community members to address identified needs.

To view the full 2025 Community Health Assessment report, visit www.thurstoncountywa.gov/community-health-assessment 

Our work adds to the Community Health Needs Assessments already created by our local hospital systems. By working together, we found that we all share the same top concerns:

• Mental & Behavioral Health
• Access to Care
• Social Drivers of Health (like housing and food) that shape our health

Together, these reports give us a complete picture of community needs and provide a solid foundation for long-term planning and action. The Community Health Needs Assessments for Thurston County hospital systems can be accessed at www.thurstoncountywa.gov/health-data 

CONTACT: Renae Miller, Public Information Supervisor, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, (360) 463-0362 or renae.miller@co.thurston.wa.us 
Dr. Jen Freiheit, Director, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services