07/05/2026
A Message to Our Patients and Friends: Why We Are Supporting Walk USA for Health Equity
Dear Patients and Friends,
Every day in our medical practice, we talk about prevention, treating the root causes of illness, and helping people achieve their highest level of health.
But health is influenced by far more than biology. Like:
• Access to quality healthcare. (Most of you know the “business model” of my practice is to never turned away a patient for inability to pay and to never send a bill to collections. This is not how the system works, however).
• Where a person lives.
• Whether bombs are falling on their heads.
• Whether healthy food, air and water are available.
• Education.
• Safe neighborhoods and cities.
• Economic opportunity.
• Stress.
• Bigotry and bullying
These and many other factors shape health long before someone ever walks into a doctor's office.
As naturopathic physicians, we believe everyone deserves a fair and just opportunity to be healthy.
That is why we wanted to tell you about Walk USA for Health Equity.
Beginning in 2022, California naturopathic doctor Dennis Godby, ND, MA, began walking across America to bring greater public awareness to health equity and the many factors that influence health beyond medical care alone.
Now, after nearly five years and almost 3,500 miles on foot, the final 760-mile journey will take place across Montana, Idaho, and Washington before concluding at Seattle's waterfront on September 24, 2026.
It isn't a political campaign.
It is a public invitation for Americans to think differently about health—to recognize that prevention, healthy communities, and equal opportunity all matter if we hope to build a healthier nation.
Why This Matters to Naturopathic Medicine
Many Americans still have never heard of naturopathic medicine.
Others know very little about what we do.
Yet every day we see patients whose lives improve because they discover a healthcare approach focused on using the appropriate tools (conventional and natural) available to them to prevent and treat the causes of illness, and supporting the body's ability to heal.
Greater public awareness of naturopathic medicine benefits everyone.
It helps more individuals and families discover another path toward better health. It also helps community leaders and policymakers better understand the valuable role naturopathic physicians can play in improving public health.
The more visible our profession becomes, the more people may have the opportunity to experience the kind of care we provide every day.
THE FINAL JOURNEY
August 24 – September 24, 2026
Bozeman → Helena → Missoula → Coeur d'Alene → Spokane → Moses Lake → Ellensburg → Seattle
(The route from Coeur d'Alene to Spokane follows the beautiful Centennial Trail.)
Everyone is welcome to participate.
Walk for five minutes.
Walk for five miles.
Walk for a day.
Or simply come celebrate at one of the community events.
SEATTLE FINALE
Thursday, September 24, 2026
1:30 PM — Jimi Hendrix Park / Northwest African American Museum
2:30 PM — City Hall Park
3:00 PM — Waterfront Park
3:30 PM — Pike Place Market
4:00 PM — Pier 62 Seattle Waterfront Celebration
One of the inspiring visions for the finale is to see hundreds of naturopathic doctors, students, patients, healthcare professionals, and community members walking together—many wearing white—to demonstrate our shared commitment to healthier communities and greater health equity.
Imagine the impact of that image appearing in local and national media.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
If you live in Montana, Idaho, or Washington, you have a unique opportunity to become part of this journey.
You can:
• Walk with us for any portion of the route.
• Attend a community event when the walk reaches your city.
• Join the Seattle Finale on September 24.
• Invite your family, friends, neighbors, mosque, synagogue, church, civic group, school, workplace, or walking club to participate.
• Encourage physicians, nurses, dentists, physical therapists, counselors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to walk with us.
• Contact your local newspaper, television station, radio station, podcast, or community newsletter and encourage coverage of the walk.
• Ask your mayor, city council, county commissioners, governor, or state legislators to recognize Walk USA for Health Equity with a proclamation or community welcome.
• Volunteer to assist with local events.
• Share the walk on social media.
• Make a donation to support lodging, meals, transportation, safety, permits, and educational outreach during the final 760-mile journey.
• Follow the walk online and encourage others to become involved.
Every conversation matters.
Every mile matters.
Every person matters.
A PERSONAL INVITATION
As your healthcare team, we believe our responsibility extends beyond helping individuals become healthier.
We also care deeply about creating healthier communities.
That is why we are sharing this opportunity with you.
Whether you decide to walk a few blocks, attend an event, bring a friend, contact your local media, support the walk financially, or simply share its message, you become part of something much larger than yourself.
History is rarely changed by one extraordinary person.
It is changed when thousands of ordinary people each decide to do one small thing.
We hope you'll join us.
Learn More:
Website
WalkUSAforHealthEquity.org
Donate
WalkUSAforHealthEquity.org/donate
Media Coverage
WalkUSAforHealthEquity.org/media
"Everyone deserves a fair and just opportunity to be healthy."
Media - Leg 5: Bozeman, MT to Seattle, WA Press Release Leg 4: Fargo, ND to Bozeman, MT
