FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Penny Pritchard, Executive Director

Email: info@cohqa.org

COHQA Celebrates a Decade of Innovation, Honors Founding Partnership with COIPA, and Announces Final Year of Grant Program

Central Oregon — April 16, 2026 — The Central Oregon Health Quality Alliance (COHQA) today announced that 2026 will mark the final year of its annual grant program, alongside plans to wind down the organization by December 31, 2026.

Since its founding in 2016, COHQA has served as a catalyst for healthcare innovation across Central Oregon and Southern Washington, supporting both provider-led and community-driven solutions to improve health outcomes. Created with leadership and support from the Central Oregon Independent Practice Association (COIPA), COHQA built on a grant program COIPA launched in 2013. COHQA has helped turn provider insight into meaningful action, empowering those closest to patient care to design and implement impactful solutions.

The grant program was originally funded through COIPA’s members reinvesting their earnings from the Oregon Health Authority’s Quality Incentive Program. In later years, COIPA members dedicated annual OHP Medicaid surplus dollars to this work, reflecting a shared commitment among providers to continuously improve care. Over the years, it has grown to foster collaboration among healthcare providers, community organizations, and patients – strengthening partnerships and advancing creative approaches to complex healthcare challenges.

COHQA’s impact spans a 40,000-square-mile service area, from Northern Klamath through the Columbia River Gorge and into Eastern Oregon. Through strong partnerships with healthcare providers, public health agencies, clinics, and community-based organizations, COHQA has contributed $2.6 million to support 86 grant projects—and counting—that are reshaping healthcare across the region and improving outcomes for diverse patient populations.

“COHQA’s work has always been grounded in the belief that the best ideas come from within our communities,” said Penny Pritchard, COHQA’s Executive Director. “We are incredibly proud of the innovation, collaboration, and lasting impact this work has generated across the vast regions we serve in Oregon and Washington.”

For many years, COIPA’s Board, leadership, and its member providers financially supported COHQA as well as provided operational infrastructure, leadership, and guidance that helped the charitable foundation grow and succeed. The decision to wind down follows the conclusion of COIPA’s role as a financial supporter, effective July 1, 2026, as COIPA refocuses its resources on core functions including contracting, network management, and provider support. In alignment with this transition, the COHQA Board of Directors has determined that concluding operations at the end of 2026 is the most appropriate path forward.

Over the coming year, COHQA will continue to support its active grant projects and celebrate the achievements of its partners and participants. The organization remains deeply grateful to COIPA, its member providers, community organizations, and partners who have contributed to its mission and helped shape a more innovative and collaborative healthcare landscape.

About COHQA:
The Central Oregon Health Quality Alliance (COHQA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing healthcare innovation and collaboration across Central Oregon and Southern Washington through grants, partnerships, and community-driven initiatives. 

About COIPA:
The Central Oregon Independent Practice Association (COIPA) is a network of healthcare providers focused on improving care quality, supporting providers, and advancing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of patients and communities.