C.O. Health Council launches ‘Be Well Central Oregon’ campaign, unveils Regional Health Improvement Plan
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Central Oregon Health Council is pleased to introduce a bold new campaign — Be Well Central Oregon — to mark the launch of the 2025–2029 Regional Health Improvement Plan. This initiative represents a transformative shift in how partners work together to build a healthier, more connected region.
“Be Well Central Oregon is more than a slogan — it’s a community call to action,” said Arianne Powell, executive director for COHC. “We’re focusing on what unites us: shared goals, strong partnerships, and the health and well-being of every person in Central Oregon.”
About the new direction
For over a decade, COHC has led RHIP implementation by organizing monthly workgroups and distributing project funding. With the launch of Be Well Central Oregon, COHC transitions into a connector, convener and amplifier role—aligning community efforts rather than directing them.
The new model aims to:
Facilitate partnerships across sectors and communities
Match organizations with shared goals to build synergy and enhance collaboration
Offer partial funding for aligned initiatives
Share data, tools and learnings to inform action
Adapt to the community’s evolving needs
This evolution builds on lessons learned and emphasizes sustainability through shared ownership, equity and transparency.
Take action: Complete the RFI survey
COHC invites all partners (current and future) to participate in a new Request for Information (RFI) survey, a key tool in mapping and aligning regional health efforts.
Click here to complete the RFI survey
Why community response matters:
To showcase partner work and impact
To uncover new collaboration opportunities
To inform funding and resource alignment
To shape the direction of the RHIP
“The RFI will help us map the RHIP ecosystem and lift up the incredible work already underway,” said Gwen Jones, COHC’s director of community strategy. “We encourage every organization working on community health to participate—it’s about making partner impact visible and helping us shape a stronger, more aligned regional effort.”
Tools to support community work
The RHIP—and the Regional Health Assessment (RHA), that guides the RHIP’s creation—can be complex. As part of Be Well Central Oregon, COHC is developing resources to simplify and humanize the RHIP and the RHA. These include:
User-friendly tools to explore RHIP goals
Visual storytelling that highlights your work’s impact
Customizable materials to communicate alignment and inspire collaboration
These resources are designed specifically for Central Oregon partners—to help them tell their story and connect their work to regional initiatives.
Be Well, Together
COHC believes this new approach will strengthen the fabric of community health by supporting what’s already working, filling critical gaps, and weaving together diverse efforts under a common vision.
Whether partners are new to the RHIP or have been involved for years, Be Well Central Oregon is an invitation to connect, contribute and thrive as a community.
“This transformation is a long-term strategic shift toward more collaborative, resilient systems for improving health outcomes in Central Oregon,” said Jones. “COHC remains committed to equity, transparency, and the power of local partnerships to shape a healthier future—together.”
For questions or to explore how your work connects with the RHIP, please contact camille.smith@cohealthcouncil.org.