Since 1998, the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley (CHT) has worked to advance health equity for local residents, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to lead a full and healthy life. As a trusted provider, funder, and partner, we deliver culturally responsive programs and services that promote prevention, wellness, and lifelong well-being throughout the Tri-County region of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties.
At CHT, we believe that wellness extends beyond the doctor’s office. It’s about equal access to healthy choices, everyday activities, and lifestyles that support well-being. Through our programs, partnerships, and community investments, we work to expand opportunities, improve health outcomes, and ensure everyone has a fair chance to thrive.
Learn about our Strategic Initiatives.
As a Provider
- Food & Community – Our Food Programs increase access to fresh, nutritious foods while supporting stronger, healthier communities.
- Wellness & Prevention – Our Wellness Programs promote healthy habits and prevention through accessible services that strengthen overall well-being—no referral needed.
- Care & Nutrition – Our Care Programs provide whole-person care through coordinated services that improve health outcomes for individuals and families.
As a Funder
Annually, this is largely accomplished through our grantmaking process, scholarship awards, and endowment management.
Each year, our funds support local organizations that aim to improve wellness and build equity in the Pajaro Valley. In times of crisis, such as Covid-19 or the CZU fires, additional emergency relief grants were also provided to meet immediate health needs.
We also award special grants to help establish new programs such as the Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s Culinary Kitchen and Teaching Garden Project at Starlight Elementary.
As a Partner
We endeavor to be a great community partner and provide the resources needed to support the health and wellness of every individual. At times that means we are a convener, bringing together the right resources and groups to tackle present issues. At other times, we are an incubator, providing the resources to get a project off the ground then providing the nourishment to see it grow. At all times, through each of our functions, it is about connecting resources, such as people, funding, and expertise, to support and fill the gaps needed to address health and wellness issues faced by local residents. Current partnerships include:
- allcove Watsonville – CHT is working with several community organizations to open a new drop-in mental health youth center in downtown Watsonville
- Food, Farming, and Health Policy Council – convened to address local food access issues
Mission
Our mission is to foster a healthy and equitable community for all in the Pajaro Valley through leadership in advocacy, collaboration, and wellness.
Vision
We envision an equitable Pajaro Valley with health, wellness, and a full quality of life for all.
Core Values
Honor
To exemplify the ultimate standard in ethical and moral behavior with respect and concern for the community we serve.
Commitment
The determination and dedication to see the community thrive.
Collaboration
Having cooperative interactions that build consensus and produce meaningful outcomes.
Wellness
The active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that emphasize preventing illness and improving quality of life, as opposed to emphasizing disease treatment.
Equity
An equal and fair opportunity for every individual to attain the highest level of health and wellness regardless of socioeconomic barriers.
