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Unity Care NW is proud to share that our Chief Strategy Officer, Chris Kobdish, will be accepting the Collaboration Award at the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center’s 22nd Annual Peace Builder Awards on behalf of The Way Station.

This award recognizes the collective efforts of many partners who spent more than seven years working to bring The Way Station from idea to reality. Together, Unity Care NW, Opportunity Council, PeaceHealth, and countless community supporters persevered through challenges, secured funding, and found solutions to complex hurdles — all with a shared goal: to create a safe, welcoming place for people experiencing homelessness to access basic needs and supportive services.

When The Way Station opened in November 2024, it became a first-of-its-kind resource in Whatcom County. Guests can access laundry, showers, and restrooms, in the Health & Hygiene Center, operated by Unity Care NW — which also offers walk-in medical and behavioral health services, including substance use counseling. In partnership with Opportunity Council’s Housing Case Managers, guests are supported in finding pathways out of homelessness. The Medical Respite Program, launched in spring 2025 and managed by Opportunity Council in collaboration with PeaceHealth, provides short-term healing space for people discharged from the hospital in need of a safe place to recover.

While this award is about collaboration, it also recognizes Chris’s central role in keeping the vision alive. For the final 4 years of the planning phase, she lead the convening of partners, raised millions of dollars, and worked tirelessly to overcome obstacles — ensuring the project didn’t stall. And just when she was ready to pass the baton, a staffing shift meant she was asked to lead day-to-day operations at The Way Station for Unity Care NW. She stepped in, ensuring that the Health &  Hygiene Center would be there to serve those who needed it most.

The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center honored The Way Station and its partners with this award, “for the collective efforts to address complex community needs with compassion and collaboration.” Unity Care NW is committed to bringing this same spirit of empathy and teamwork to all of the challenges that stand in the way of a healthier community until everyone has the opportunity to live their healthiest life.

The 22nd Annual Peace Builder Awards will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2025, at the Four Points by Sheraton in Bellingham. This inspiring evening will celebrate remarkable individuals, projects, and organizations who are building peace and strengthening community across Whatcom County.

Join us in celebrating! Purchase your tickets here to attend.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor the importance of prevention, early detection, and peace of mind. At Unity Care NW, we believe that taking care of yourself means staying up to date on important health screenings — and a mammogram is one of the most powerful steps you can take.

Why it matters
Most breast cancers are found early with regular screening. Detecting breast cancer early often means treatment is simpler and more effective. For people with breasts, mammograms are usually recommended starting at age 40 and continuing yearly or every two years depending on your risk factors. A mammogram isn’t just a medical task, it’s an act of self-care and self-respect.

This month, make your health a priority. Schedule your mammogram before the end of the year so you can check this important self-care item off your list.

Mammogram Locations & Scheduling

We partner with two trusted imaging centers that offer welcoming environments and convenient scheduling:

Whatcom County — Mount Baker Imaging (MBI)
Call (360) 647-2422 to make an appointment

• Bellingham – Northwest Avenue
  4029 Northwest Avenue, Suite 101, Bellingham, WA 98226
  Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  Mammogram Party: Friday, October 24th, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Walk-ins welcome!)
• Lynden – Benson Rd.
  8844 Benson Rd, Suite 300, Lynden, WA 98264
  Mon–Thu: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  Mammogram Party: Friday, October 24th, 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM (Walk-ins welcome!)

Skagit County — Women’s Imaging Center (WIC)
Schedule online

• Mt. Vernon – Skagit Imaging Pavilion
  1320 E. Division St, Mount Vernon, WA 98274
  Mon–Fri: 7:15 AM – 6:00 PM
  October Saturdays: October 4th & 25th, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Appointment required, no walk-ins)

Self-Care Bonus
If you have a Managed Care Plan, such as CHPW or Molina, check your plan’s website — you may be eligible for a gift card when you complete certain screenings.

Unity Care NW Earns Gold ACE Status Renewal

Unity Care NW is proud to share that we’ve once again been recognized with Gold Advocacy Center of Excellence (ACE) status by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) for 2026–2027. Gold is the highest level of recognition in the ACE program, which honors health centers that demonstrate an ongoing, organization-wide commitment to advocacy.

Unity Care NW is one of only four health centers in Washington to hold Gold ACE status. This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff and leadership to ensuring that our patients — and all our community members — have access to affordable, high-quality health care.

NACHC notes that achieving Gold ACE status requires “hardworking, engaged staff and supportive leadership — two pieces of the puzzle necessary for a successful and robust advocacy program.”

How You Can Help

You can support our advocacy work by:

• Contacting your elected officials in support of policies that improve access to care.
• Donating to Unity Care NW.
• Signing up to receive advocacy updates.

Thank you for helping us advance health and opportunity for our community.

More than 18 million commercial and recreational boats are owned by U.S. citizens, and that means a lot of rope is necessary for docking, anchoring, towing, rigging, sail control, and fishing. In celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week, which runs from June 7-15, we’re shining a light on one of our valued supporters — Samson Rope.

At their manufacturing facility in Ferndale, Samson Rope produces a wide range of ropes for various industries. They know that no single rope can fill all commercial fishing needs. That’s why they manufacture specialized options like crab rope, longline, and purse seine line just to name a few.

As a company, they go beyond material production and offer training and certifications designed to share expertise and increase safety. They even provide a free rope user’s manual on their website to assist in rope selection, usage, handling, and retirement.

Samson Rope is also deeply committed to giving back to the communities they serve. They’ve forged strong partnerships, and contribute to several local Whatcom County non-profits. Their community giving focuses on key areas where they can make the most meaningful impact:

• Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
• Environmental Stewardship
• Enriching Children’s Lives
• Safe and Healthy Lifestyles

Unity Care NW is proud to have Samson Rope as one of our Health Care Champion Sponsors. Their generous support helps make it possible for us to provide critical health care for individuals and families who would not otherwise be able to afford it. Learn more about our Health Care Champion Sponsorship program and the partners who help make our mission possible.

Thank you, Samson Rope, for the many ways you uplift our community and happy National Fishing and Boating Week!