Feature Stories

You Come First focuses on tackling some of today’s most pressing health care challenges:

Advancing health equity by increasing access to care for underserved populations.
Supporting specialized care for LGBTQ+ patients, behavioral health and women’s health.
Building healthy communities and investing in youth violence prevention and food security efforts.

	Access to care In 2024, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health committed $1.7 million to support nonprofit organizations across the Puget Sound that address some of the region’s most pressing health issues—access to care, behavioral health, chronic disease prevention, and violence prevention. Learn more.
	Health equity At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH), care extends beyond the clinic walls, addressing the real-world challenges patients face every day. For the Franciscan Medical Clinic in Port Orchard, this commitment has taken shape through a medically tailored food box program designed to support patients with diabetes who are also navigating food insecurity and mobility challenges. Learn more.
	LGBTQ+ care Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) has earned national recognition for its dedication to inclusive and equitable care for the LGBTQ+ community. Learn more.
	Women's health The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations, with rates more than doubling over the past 20 years. Black women, in particular, face disproportionately higher risks compared to their white and Hispanic counterparts, according to the CDC. Addressing these alarming statistics, Dr. Leizl Sapico, an obstetrician-gynecologist at VMFH, has pioneered a groundbreaking initiative to improve postpartum outcomes. Learn more.