Thurston County Public Health & Social Services (PHSS) has released the 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA) report, highlighting the issues community members suggest are affecting the health and wellbeing of people in Thurston County.
To reach as many people as possible, county staff attended 12 local events from August through November 2025, setting up tables to talk with residents and listen to their ideas.
Community partners also helped spread the word through outreach events, social media, and flyers.
Due to these efforts, the assessment gathered input from more than 1,800 respondents who ranked their top community health priorities and challenges.
While some groups, like those aged 65-plus and female residents, participated in higher numbers, the county said they “reached enough people in every region of the county and demographic category to make sure everyone’s perspective in the county was counted.
“The resulting themes reflect the issues that most strongly shape the quality of life in Thurston County,” Thurston County said in a news release.
When asked what would most improve their quality of life, respondents overwhelmingly prioritized:
• Access to affordable housing (56%)
• Accessible healthcare services (53%)
• Access to affordable, healthy food (38%)
• Low crime and safe neighborhoods (28%)
• Access to mental health & substance use services (27%)
Respondents also identified their biggest community concerns as:
• Homelessness (71%)
• Behavioral health concerns (68%)
• Drug misuse (48%)
• Loneliness and Isolation (26%)
• Violence-related trauma (26%)
“These findings provide a clear picture of what matters most to our community,” said Dr. Jen Freiheit, department director of Thurston County PHSS, “Residents are telling us that stable housing, access to care, and behavioral health supports are foundational to improving overall health and wellbeing. We are especially grateful to our Board of Health members who participated in outreach efforts and helped ensure community voices were heard. This report will help guide our priorities and partnerships in the years ahead.”
The 2025 Community Health Assessment report is a snapshot of data that will inform the County’s Community Health Improvement Plan. This plan will serve as a roadmap for policy development, resource allocation, and support collaboration with local partners, service providers, and community members to address identified needs.
To view the full 2025 Community Health Assessment report, visit www.thurstoncountywa.gov/community-health-assessment.
