About Us
YOUR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER
Our Approach
Who We Are
Unity Care NW is a local, non-profit health care provider that is part of a national network of community health centers. Also known as a Federally Qualified Health Center, we work to improve access to health care for everyone, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
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We believe in the benefits of prevention, early detection and treatment, health education, and the value of helping our patients make informed health care decisions.
MISSION
Our mission is to increase the years of healthy life in the people and communities we serve.
VISION
Unity Care NW’s vision is that everyone has the opportunity to live their healthiest life.
VALUES
Respect
Accountability
Integrity
Collaboration
Innovation
Who We Serve
1 in 10 People in Whatcom County
23,917 patients depended on Unity Care NW for affordable whole-person care in 2025, all on their own unique health journey. Through 108,336 total clinic visits across all service lines, we were here, for everyone.
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Read more about the communities we serve in our Annual Report.
14,268
11,557
7,360
2,923
2,894
Our Story
Building a Healthier Whatcom County, Together
Created by a coalition of community leaders, health professionals, faith-based organizations, and concerned citizens, Unity Care NW has been providing high-quality health care services for over 40 years.
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Rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, the nation’s community health centers first emerged during the War on Poverty. For over 50 years, community health centers have provided integrated health care to those in need, reduced barriers to health care, and offered high-quality care at lower costs.
1982
Interfaith Medical Care begins as a phone service at the Opportunity Council with referrals to volunteer doctors.
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1983
Volunteer dentists are recruited.
1992
Volunteers are joined by three full-time staff.
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1997
Mental health services are added.
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1998
St. Luke's Foundation donates a van for a Mobile Dental Program.
2001
The health center moves to 220 Unity Street, allowing for more patients to access services.
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2007
Interfaith CHC is granted Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Status.
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2008
Interfaith CHC opens a new health center in Ferndale.
2015
Interfaith changes its name to Unity Care NW.
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2019
North Whatcom Health Center opens in Ferndale, allowing 9,500 new patients to access affordable care.
2021
12,500 COVID-19 vaccines are administered to patients and community members.
2024
The Way Station Health & Hygiene Center opens, providing essential services to people experiencing homelessness free of charge.