In 2007, the United Way of Southeast Alaska released the Compass II survey, a comprehensive assessment addressing a wide array of health issues that detailed data related to Ketchikan collected through interviews, surveys, and focus groups. As a result of the findings, a group of individuals, led by Karen Eakes, identified the need for tangible and collaborative action to address the most pressing issues around health and wellness. This group met once a month for a year, developing a strategic plan and outlining the vision of the organization: “Establish Ketchikan as a vibrant community that people choose to live in and move to” and determining the mission statement: “Promote community wellness through assessment and action.” This group became the Steering Committee (Board) of the “Ketchikan Wellness Coalition”, an organization dedicated to addressing the needs identified in the Compass II Assessment and other community needs identified through future assessments. KWC became incorporated on 11/30/2009.

Five task forces were initially assembled: Empowering Youth, The Cost of Substance Abuse, Strengthening Cultural Unity, Uniting Around Life’s Challenges, and A Diverse Year-Round Economy. During the next year, two additional task forces joined the KWC: Promoting Respectful Relationships and Suicide Prevention Education and Awareness in Ketchikan (SPEAK). In November of 2012, the Tongass Community Food Alliance was added as the eighth task force.

Since the early years, task forces have developed in response to needs. Some taskforces have ended once goals have been accomplished or the work/programs transitioned to a permanent home in another organization. The Ketchikan Wellness Coalition remains an umbrella organization committed to supporting community action, utilizing the Task Force coalition model to address issues and needs that are identified through community assessments.

The organization and task forces are funded, in part, by grants from the City of Ketchikan, the Ketchikan Gateway Borough, individuals, foundations, community grants, corporate sponsors, KWC membership, the Federal Government, and the State of Alaska.