Coalition

Healthcare Is A Human Right

Universal healthcare is a huge undertaking that cannot be achieved by any one organization alone—it will require the backing of a powerful coalition that can truly represent the breadth of Washington's workers, industries, and communities. That is why in addition to seeking Endorsements from as many organizations as we can, Whole Washington pays dues to the Health Care is a Human Right Washington (HCHR-WA) coalition and sits as a voting member of its Steering Committee.

The Washington Health Trust is prominently featured on HCHR's 2025 Policy Agenda.

Health Care is a Human Right Washington (HCHR-WA)

"The HCHR Campaign is a grassroots community-labor campaign with the goal of securing the fundamental right to health care for all individuals in Washington State & our nation.

It is made up of supporting organizations and individuals from throughout the state standing together to create a health system that reflects our principles."

Members & Allies

HCHR is a massive and diverse coalition and includes a number of labor unions, health boards, community clinics, and grassroots action organizations. All together, there are 44 member organizations and 20 allied organizations.

Whole Washington strongly encourages organizations looking to become more engaged in the universal healthcare movement to join HCHR. As a dues paying member you will be invited to vote on the Steering Committee and propose legislation for the Policy Agenda. Dues are made as affordable as possible but for organizations that are unable to pay, they may join for free as an Allied Organization by pledging support for the HCHR principles.

Principles

“We, the people of Washington State, come together to secure the fundamental right to health care for all individuals. It is not a privilege or a commodity. We must act now to create a health care system that promotes public health and the general welfare through laws, policies, and financing guided and shaped by human rights principles.”

Universal Access: Everybody in. Nobody out. Universal means everyone has access to healthcare.

Affordability: There are no financial barriers. Everyone can afford to use the healthcare system and access all needed care.

Availability: Full range of benefits as well as facilities and services—including patients’ free choice of trained professionals—are available to all.

Equity: Health care services are delivered in an equitable way, addressing the unique needs and health risks of each human being.

Equality: There is equality for all, without discrimination. The dignity and cultural traditions of patients are respected.

Quality: Each individual enjoys the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, receiving the right care at the right place and at the right time – safe and high quality care.

Participation:  Individuals and communities are able to participate actively in the decisions that affect their health, including the development and delivery of health care services.

Accountability: Each part of the health system ensures accountability to patients and the community with appropriate staffing, standards, monitoring and remedies.

Transparency: Information about the healthcare system is transparent, understandable and readily available to all. People have easy access to their personal health information.

Download Principles in:  Chinese –  English –  Russian  –  Spanish – Vietnamese