Executive Summary

The Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley (CHT) has promoted health equity in the Pajaro Valley for 25 years. Our commitment began in 1998 when we responded to the urgent need for diabetes education, as evidenced by an overwhelming number of patients seeking emergency treatment at the local hospital.

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. Our strategic plan focuses on addressing health disparities among low-income individuals, immigrants, and farmworkers in the Pajaro Valley.

Despite being an agricultural hub for produce production, the Pajaro Valley is federally designated as low-income and has low access to a sufficient quantity and quality of food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This lack of access can contribute to poor diet and lead to higher levels of obesity and other diet-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

As a provider and partner, we operate seven impactful programs that increase access to nutritious food and encourage healthy eating practices. These programs include a produce prescription program, a farmers' market, community gardens, and personalized consultations. We also invest approximately $400,000 annually in grants to support community-based organizations and students, fostering an ecosystem for health equity in the Pajaro Valley.

We provide the tools and resources needed to empower Pajaro Valley residents to make simple lifestyle changes that lead to longer and more fulfilling lives.

Organizations may provide budget and employee data based on this proposal or the organization as a whole. For more information on this proposal or organization, please email us.