Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound was founded as a combination of prepaid medical coverage with a group practice in which many physicians across different specialties could work together to share knowledge and better care for patients. Group Health began caring for patients in 1946 and expanded quickly in its first decades – from 16,000 members in the first years to 122,000 by 1960 and 255,000 by 1970. Group Health’s members have greatly influenced the organization from the beginning – ordinary members serve on caucus committees, volunteer with the resource phone line, and vote in elections. Notably, member activism in the 1970s and 80s ensured that Group Health would not restrict access to abortion.

In 2017, after approval by a member vote, Group Health was bought by Kaiser Permanente, which took over Group Health’s operations. This brochure was published by Group Health shortly before the acquisition by Kaiser Permanente, to celebrate its history and achievements. These selections from the brochure show the cover and a timeline.