History

WithinReach was formed in 1988 under the original name, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies.  In 1990, with a contract from the Washington State Department of Health, we began operating and managing a maternal-child health hotline, serving an estimated 500 low-income women throughout Washington State.

Over the years, our statewide information and referral call center has grown to include four toll-free numbers, serving over 50,000 Washington families per year. 

In 1991, we created our first edition of a comprehensive pregnancy and baby book, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, which is currently available in 6 languages.  

In 1994, WithinReach developed a statewide coalition, the Immunization Action Coalition of Washington (IACW) with the goal of increasing public awareness about the importance of immunizations and achieving full immunization of all Washington families.  In 2002, a focus on Hepatitis B was added to the IACW’s outreach efforts. 

A second statewide coalition was formed in 1996.  The Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington (BCW) unites local coalitions throughout Washington, which share the goal of improving breastfeeding rates. 

In 2006, we became WithinReach, a name that better reflects the diversity of our clients and our work. 

Between 2004 and 2007, we developed an innovative website, ParentHelp123.org, with funding from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation among others. 

Today, WithinReach helps over 100,000 Washington families per year.