It all started with an employer, some doctors, and a vision of quality, affordable healthcare.

In 1938, the Physicians Association of Clackamas County became the first pre-paid health plan in the nation, emerging from a partnership between a large local employer and a group of area physicians. Eventually, this partnership grew into the nonprofit PACC Health Plans and PACC HMO.

View of the top of a table with a doctor’s hands reaching across to take a patient’s blood pressure. There are also a clipboard and stethoscope on the table.

In 1997, when PACC was sold to a for-profit health insurance corporation, Oregon law required the net assets continue to be used for community benefit. Endowed with these assets, Northwest Health Foundation emerged with the mission to advance, support, and promote the health of the people of Oregon and southwest Washington (including Clark, Cowlitz, Pacific, Skamania and Wahkiakum counties), which was the footprint of PACC's service area.

Former United States Senator Mark O. Hatfield became the first Chair of the Northwest Health Foundation Board. During our first ten years, Northwest Health Foundation invested more than $39 million in over 1,000 projects, covering every county in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

2022 marked Northwest Health Foundation’s 25th anniversary. Our community partners have included more than 600 organizations and countless individuals whose talent and tireless dedication enables all of us to lead healthier lives.

Our History

It all started with an employer, some doctors, and a vision of quality, affordable healthcare.

In 1938, the Physicians Association of Clackamas County became the first pre-paid health plan in the nation, emerging from a partnership between a large local employer and a group of area physicians. Eventually, this partnership grew into the nonprofit PACC Health Plans and PACC HMO.