Support Local Journalism: Help Cascadia Daily News Strengthen Health Care Reporting!

Cascadia Daily News (CDN) is excited to announce the arrival of a health care reporter through Report for America, a national program aimed at placing journalists in local newsrooms. This initiative seeks to cover important issues that affect everyday Americans, especially in underserved communities.

The new reporter will dive deep into health care topics, focusing on Whatcom and Skagit counties. With a projected start date this summer, this journalist will explore gaps in public health coverage, barriers to accessing healthcare, and provide useful insights to help navigate the complex health system. This effort builds on CDN’s existing health coverage, shaped by significant community interest evident in our annual reader-supported election coverage.

Having a full-time health care reporter is vital, especially in Northwest Washington. As the only journalist dedicated to this beat, they will shed light on crucial issues like the opioid crisis, mental health services, vaccination efforts, and more. According to a recent survey, 67% of respondents in our community feel that access to accurate health information is lacking. This highlights the pressing need for dedicated journalism in health care.

Accurate reporting helps citizens make informed decisions about their health, but with staffing cuts in journalism nationwide, having a dedicated reporter is essential now more than ever. Recently, experts in the field have pointed out that local health journalism is on the decline, risking the public’s understanding of health issues.

We’re excited to have community support as we grow. CDN relies on subscriptions and donations to fund our journalism. To celebrate our third anniversary and raise funds for this new position, we’re hosting a community event on April 25th at the Bellingham Cruise and Ferry Terminal. It will be a night of food, fun, and journalism, with activities like a mini documentary screening and auctions.

We appreciate everyone who supports local journalism. Your involvement is vital for making sure our community stays informed. Thank you for being part of the Cascadia Daily News family!

For more information about our fundraiser, you can check out the details here: Event Details.

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