The Community Solutions Plan was developed thanks to the work of 200 community leaders who devoted over 1,000 hours to identify and prioritize long-term solutions to current issues in four major areas: Self-sufficiency, Education, Health and Safety.  This process has been facilitated by United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties.

The first major initiative, Our Babies Can’t Wait, addresses all areas of the Community Solutions Plan and is championed by Sandy Owen with the Benton Franklin Health District. 

 VISION: All children, by the time they are 20 years old, will have grown up in a safe and healthful environment, graduated from high school and be ready for a productive future.

More than 40 organizations are working collaboratively on the Our Babies Can’t Wait initiative.  It has two components: a community-wide information and education component, as well as an East Kennewick Start-up Project. 

Community-wide education efforts are designed to ensure that every person in the bi-county area understands the importance that all of our children need to get off to a good start in order for them to be healthy and live in a safe environment, be successful in school, and get a good job.

Intensive services are available for eligible first-born children and their families including screening by a public health nurse, family engagement and connection to needed resources, and parent education and skills development.

Our Babies Can’t Wait is the first Community Solutions initiative addressing all four focus areas.

Our Babies Can't Wait

Firstborn babies and their parents are invited to participate in three FREE premier services offered by Our Babies Can’t Wait: Nurse Services, Workshops for New Parents, and Family Engagement.  For more information, click HERE.

Sara Zirkle, M.D.

Tri-City Herald Article

"Program helps kids become successful"