WAHA is a nonpartisan group committed to progress on health policy issues that achieve improved health care access for all residents of Whatcom County. We work locally and advocate at the regional, state and federal levels for sound health care policies. Our work is guided by the following principles:

• The current health care system is broken.  As a nation we pay more but receive less than most other industrialized countries. We need to change the way we deliver health care, beginning with our local delivery system.
• Economic forces need to be aligned so providers are paid according to the quality of their treatment, and the extent they help keep people healthy; the people using the service have enough clear information about pricing and payment obligations to effectively manage their own care.
• Birth, illness and end of life are events far too important to leave only to professionals, regardless how skilled and well-intended they may be. Our system of care must foster patient and family participation.