Heatherington Foundation

We promote comprehensive healthcare by supporting innovative delivery models and high impact programs.

Creating healthy populations requires the participation of the whole community.

The Heatherington Foundation is transforming healthcare across Oregon by investing in innovative solutions that create healthier communities. Named after Dr. Jeff Heatherington, we believe in a whole-person approach to health—addressing physical, mental, and systemic factors that influence well-being.

Through strategic partnerships and bold funding initiatives, we support programs that expand healthcare access, advance medical education, and uplift underserved communities. Our commitment extends beyond traditional care, fostering innovation in healthcare delivery, workforce development, and community wellness.

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Foundation Blog

Approaches to community health that encompass the integration of physical, mental, and emotional aspects of the individual

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PORTLAND, OREGON // BLOG

Featured Program: Maurice Lucas Foundation

Building Lifelong Impact Through Education, Sport, and Wraparound Support

April 4, 2025

Founded in honor of NBA champion Maurice Lucas, the Maurice Lucas Foundation is committed to “teaching life lessons through education and sport.”

Reimagining Rural Healthcare Access in Oregon

Bridging the gap to better care, primary care, urgent care

March 28, 2025

Through our partnerships with rural healthcare providers, we’re seeing new approaches that combine technology, workforce development, and community engagement to improve access and outcomes.

CARLTON, OREGON // BLOG

Blanchet Farm Offers Addiction Recovery

A one-of-a-kind residential recovery program on a working farm

February 13, 2025

This donor funded program is helping men with substance addiction build sobriety, and self-worth, and regain job skills.

LEBANON, OREGON // BLOG

Building the Future of Public Health

The Willamette University Partnership.

March 23, 2025

Our $6 million endowment to Willamette University’s Public Health Program represents a strategic investment in the future of healthcare leadership.

Only 10%

Of eligible children are served by Early Head Start education. Publicly funded preschools provide only 8% of 3 year-olds an 12% of 4 year-olds educations.

Ranked 45th

Oregon is ranked 45th among all U.S. states for education outcomes. Students are still 10 percentage points behind pre-pandemic levels in Oregon.

Heatherington Foundation

The Heatherington Foundation gave us the guidance and support we needed to turn a great idea into a great program.
- Sarah Dunkin, Early Learning Director Gladstone Center for Children & Families

We scale impactful programs focused on creating healthy communities.

Programs that address systemic indicators of health and wellness create healthier communities. We fund organizations that improve access to care, promote mental health, and support innovation in underserved areas.

Our approach supports the whole person—from early childhood development to behavioral health and workforce education. By investing in capacity building and bold, community-driven ideas, we help create a future where wellness is possible for every Oregonian.

Leadership and active advocacy is essential to achieving our mission.

Facts + figures

Over 25%

25% of Oregon’s rural population reports difficulty accessing primary healthcare services due to provider shortages.

Ranked 4th

Oregon ranks 4th highest in the U.S. for unmet mental health treatment needs, with 8.9% of adults reporting they required but did not receive treatment

Heatherington Foundation

The center provides a hub of family services so students have a solid home foundation to support school success
Jeremiah Patterson, Superintendent Gladstone School District

We support programs that improve community health through innovation.

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Only 10%

Ranked 45th

Over 25%

Ranked 4th

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