Improving health outcomes at all stages of life
The Healthy Lives Institute (HLI) is focused on improving health outcomes for parents, children, and people who are pregnant in the Puget Sound region by advancing research and fostering advocacy led by local community-based organizations.
HLI is a united effort of Seattle Children’s Research Institute and University of Washington (UW) Medicine. Together, we envision a future where parents, children, and pregnant people—regardless of their race, ethnicity, or economic status—can flourish and have a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
Our Approach
HLI links community members with breakthrough researchers and medical experts, to conduct research in service of improving health outcomes across Seattle and beyond. Everything we do is in pursuit of empowering communities to be as healthy as possible, removing structural barriers that stand in the way.
A healthy pregnancy is foundational for supporting a healthy childhood. Healthy children are more likely to turn into healthy adults—and those healthy adults are more likely to have healthy pregnancies. Our work starts at the very beginning to support a healthy life, at every stage.
We work with, not on behalf of, our community partners. Our community partners identify and lead their own opportunities for support. Our role as conveners is to connect our partners with the resources Seattle Children’s and UW Medicine can offer.
We take an upstream approach to improving health outcomes, pursuing prevention over treatment. By preempting common issues like substance abuse, mental health crises, and poor nutrition, we can keep our communities healthier. This approach also saves money in the long run for everyone–organizations, institutions, and governments, and individuals.
Seattle Children’s and UW Medicine are highly regarded research institutions–not just in Washington State, but nationwide. The research done at these medical centers has the power to influence the policymakers who craft the systems in which we live. This collective, community-informed research can make real, impactful change.
RESEARCH IS THE BACKBONE OF OUR MISSION
Passionate, dedicated researchers are crucial to advancing our mission of improving health outcomes for children and families. We’re always eager to meet medical professionals ready to work with the community to find solutions.
Focus Areas
The Healthy Lives Institute (HLI) takes an upstream approach to our work, preventing health issues before they start.
We’re driven by the needs of community organizations who have been doing on-the-ground work, and support them by building their capacity.
Adolescent Mental Health
Providing children and adolescents with safe spaces to address mental health struggles and connecting them to mental health providers
Maternal Mental Health
Equipping mothers with the tools they need for a healthy, happy, and supported pregnancy and postpartum so they can show up for themselves and their children
Culturally Competent Care for Pregnant People
Realizing parenthood is not a one-size-fits-all experience, providing care that respects and complements a parent’s individual and cultural identities
Child Wellbeing
Focusing on the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of a child and supporting an environment that allows them to thrive
Family Planning
Providing sex education and contraceptive access, ensuring parents have information about pregnancy prevention and how to prepare for and support a child
A Collaboration Between Seattle Children’s Research Institute and University of Washington Medicine
HLI is proud to be the joint effort of Seattle Children’s and UW Medicine. Supported by these institutes’ expertise in maternal and pediatric health, HLI has unique access to the knowledge and resources needed to make real change for our communities.