The majority of health and wellness takes place outside the doctor’s office. At the Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley (CHT), we embrace a comprehensive definition of wellness that includes the equitable pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles that emphasize disease prevention and mitigation. We envision an equitable Pajaro Valley with health, wellness, and a full quality of life for all.
CHT has focused on health equity in the Pajaro Valley for 25 years. CHT’s Diabetes Health Center was established in 1998 in response to an overwhelming number of patients seeking emergency care at Watsonville Community Hospital for uncontrolled diabetes.
Our mission is to foster a healthy and equitable community for all in the Pajaro Valley as a Provider, Funder, and Partner.
Learn about our Strategic Initiatives.
As a Provider
- Diabetes Health Center – providing education and support for those living with diabetes or prediabetes
- VeggieRx – a produce prescription program for those facing food insecurity
- El Mercado – a health and wellness focused weekly farmers’ market
- El Mini Mercado – CHT’s year round in-house food pantry
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:
- Community Gardens – CHT manages residential gardens to help build community, educate, and increase access to fresh food
- Food, Farming, and Health Policy Council – convened to address local food access issues
- allcove Pajaro Valley – CHT is working with several community organizations to open a new drop-in mental health youth center in downtown Watsonville
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.