A Healthier Southwest Idaho
Established
1971
From our early years of working to eliminate vaccine-preventable deaths, pre-term births, disease outbreak, SWDH has continued to deliver core functions of public health services while also monitoring and addressing emerging health threats.
We believe we are stronger together. There is amazing power in the collective. The power to creatively innovate and inspire each other to find solutions to wicked problems that impact health. We energize our communities through leadership, strategy development, and resource placement.
Our locations serve as hubs for people to receive care, connect and inspire each other through free classes, events and programs. You are all an extension of Southwest District Health and we are a healthier Southwest Idaho because of you.
Our Story
Southwest District Health was founded in 1970 by the Idaho legislature. Southwest District Health serves six counties: Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette and Washington. In our nearly 50 years of existence, we have focused our efforts on preventing premature death and disability, protecting the population from emerging health threats, and promoting behaviors that contribute to healthier and longer lives. As the population we serve has grown and changed, so have our efforts.
1970s
Southwest District Health was founded in 1970 by the Idaho legislature. Southwest District Health serves six counties: Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette and Washington.
1980s
In the 1980s, Southwest District Health continued its emphasis on childhood immunizations and improving sanitary conditions, and expanded its focus to maternal and child health. With an emphasis on prevention, Southwest District Health sought to decrease infant mortality and malnutrition by providing nutrition counseling and supplemental nutritious food vouchers for pregnant women, infants and children.
1990s
In the 1990s, technological advances increased Southwest District Health’s access to timely data and our ability monitor disease trends across the population. Monitoring disease trends allowed for the identification or early detection of new and emerging health threats such as hantavirus, drug-resistant bacteria or superbugs, and the tracking of vector-borne diseases such as West Nile virus.
2000s
In the early 2000s, a new emphasis was placed on preparing for and responding to biological, chemical, radiological, and natural disasters. Southwest District Health continued to provide its wide array of community services, but global and national threats from rogue regimes, terrorism and super storms identified gaps in our communities’ abilities to protect the public and assist them through recovery when manmade and natural disasters occur.
2010s
The health status and needs of the public took an interesting turn that became more evident and shocking in the current decade. Early death and disability due to chronic diseases and conditions and substance abuse disorders soared to the top of the leading causes of death in Idaho. For the first time in decades, life expectancy was expected to be lower than the previous generation.
The Future
As Southwest District Health looks to the future, they see the importance of addressing the root causes of poor health outcomes across the population, partnering with agencies and business in the community to leverage resources towards common goals in an intentional and strategic way. Southwest District Health will also focus on addressing whole person health through integrated and comprehensive clinic services, and care coordination with other healthcare providers across the region.
Meet our team
Who We Are
Our shared core values of accountability, customer-focused, and teamwork influence the work we do, and difference we hope to make. We are committed to promoting the health and wellness of those who live, work and play in Southwest Idaho. Employees at SWDH take pride in their efforts to improve the health of their community by delivering excellent service and working with partners in the community to make a collective difference on overall health and vitality.
Explore Our Work
Vision
A healthier Southwest Idaho
Mission
To promote the health and wellness of those who live, work and play in Southwest Idaho
Core Values
Accountability
Modeling integrity through responsible use of public dollars, service to the community, and transparency
Customer-focused
Willingness to go the “extra mile” to serve internal and external customers in a professional, polite, and personalized manner.
Teamwork
Uniting our partners’ and co-workers’ unique skills and abilities to achieve the common vision of a healthier Southwest Idaho.