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CHS History

Research has been a part of Group Health's mission since it was founded in 1946. The Cooperative's commitment to research became truly evident in 1983, when the Board of Trustees established Group Health Center for Health Studies (CHS).

Under the leadership of its first director, Ed Wagner, MD, MPH, the Center grew significantly, raising nearly $12 million in grants by 1998. The Center now has an annual budget of $22 million and receives about 90 percent of its funds from research grants and contracts.

The Center's success can be attributed in large part to its alignment with Group Health's mission and clinical performance goals. The Group Health delivery and data systems have provided fertile ground for CHS research. At the same time, CHS research has helped the Cooperative find new and better ways to provide care and coverage. For example, Center investigators have participated in the development of Group Health's "clinical roadmaps." These are the guidelines providers use to identify, design, and deliver the most effective treatments for specific patient populations. Center staff have contributed to the development of road maps for senior care, diabetes, tobacco addiction, depression, breast cancer treatment and screening, colon cancer screening, HIV/AIDS, and more.

The Center's researchers have also influenced health care nationally through the publication of their research and through their service on many prominent national health policy and research advisory groups.

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