Walla Walla County hires consultant to assess regional health communications

WALLA WALLA — The Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to approve a $5,181 agreement with global health consultant VillageReach to evaluate a multi-county shared communications initiative.

Running through Nov. 7, the contract tasks Seattle-based VillageReach with assessing local health jurisdictions across Adams, Asotin, Garfield, Columbia, and Walla Walla counties.

Department of Community Health Director Nancy Wenzel presented the proposal, explaining that Walla Walla County received $200,000 in Foundational Public Health Services funding dedicated to regional public health communications. Wenzel noted that while other jurisdictions utilize shared services, this effort is the state’s largest group and the only one centered on shared communications.

The process faces logistical and political hurdles, including recent state funding cuts that reduced the county’s total allocation from $2.1 million to $1.77 million. Wenzel emphasized that coordinating across five independent counties requires an objective third party to identify operational barriers, gauge regional readiness, and establish clear roles.

“Anytime you have a shared service, it struggles a little bit,” Wenzel said, adding that VillageReach will conduct stakeholder interviews to determine whether the regional model remains feasible or if duties should be restructured.

Following brief questions regarding project costs and regional alignment, Board Chair Todd Kimball called for a vote. The motion passed 3-0. VillageReach is scheduled to deliver its final assessment and recommendations within 96 days.

File photo of the Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners

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Elkhorn Media Group