SOWIB Awarded Oregon Health Authority Catalyst Grant to Strengthen Rural Healthcare Workforce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Date: July 17, 2026 

Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board (SOWIB) has been awarded a Catalyst Grant through the Oregon Health Authority's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to strengthen and expand the Traditional Health Worker (THW) workforce across Coos, Curry, and Douglas Counties.

The project will help rural healthcare providers and community-based organizations build the capacity to employ, support, and sustain Traditional Health Workers, strengthening the rural healthcare workforce and expanding access to care throughout Southwestern Oregon.

Traditional Health Workers, including Community Health Workers, Peer Support Specialists, Peer Wellness Specialists, Personal Health Navigators, and Birth Doulas, play an important role in connecting individuals and families to healthcare, behavioral health, prevention services, and community resources. 

"This investment builds on the work SOWIB has been leading to strengthen the Traditional Health Worker workforce in our region," said Sara Stephens, Executive Director of SOWIB. "By supporting rural organizations as they prepare to successfully integrate these roles, we're helping create stronger workforce pathways and improving access to care for our communities."

Throughout the project, SOWIB will work with OHA-approved Traditional Health Worker training programs, regional healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and partners to strengthen the Traditional Health Worker workforce by supporting training, employment, and long-term workforce development across Coos, Curry, and Douglas Counties.  

About SOWIB

Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board (SOWIB) is the Local Workforce Development Board serving Coos, Curry, and Douglas Counties. SOWIB brings together employers, educators, industry and sector partners, workforce and economic development organizations, service providers, and community-based organizations to strengthen the regional workforce, advance industry-led sector strategies, and expand opportunities for workers, businesses, and communities throughout Southwestern Oregon.

Contact: Sara Stephens, sstephens@sowib.org, 541-290-9557 

Website: www.sowib.org