“State and federal funding for Public Health has shrunk in recent years, while the needs and demands of King County residents have grown exponentially,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, chair of the Board of Health. “Because of this alarming trend, it is vital that we prioritize the limited resources available. This framework will guide our funding decisions in a rational and consistent manner, ensuring that we are effectively prioritizing the critical functions of our public health department.”
Unanimous adoption of the document known as “A Policy Framework for the Health of the Public” is the first major milestone in completing Phase I of the Public Health Operational Master Plan (PHOMP), a collaborative effort of the County Council, Executive, Public Health – Seattle & King County, and the Board of Health.
“Our new Public Health Director, Dr. David Fleming,
already has contributed a fresh set of eyes and added new focus to our
policy framework with the concept of the three Ps – promotion, prevention
and provision,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, chair of the Council’s
Law, Justice and Human Services Committee. “We can address many
health concerns through promoting public education, such as tobacco prevention
and good nutrition. Other health challenges may require that we provide
health services throughout the population, such as emergency care and
immunization distribution. This framework ensures that our decisions are
guided by principles that have been thoughtfully and collaboratively created.”
“We’ve already lowered costs and provided better services to our citizens through a similar master planning effort for our criminal justice system,” said King County Council and Board of Health member Larry Phillips. “With the federal and state governments passing a greater share of health costs to local taxpayers, it’s imperative we find the best strategies for funding vital health programs in the most economical way.”
"This framework is the foundation for defining the appropriate lines of business for public health services within the local universe of health care providers," said Councilmember Jane Hague.
The King County Council initiated the Public Health Operational Master Plan in the 2005 King County Budget, through provisos requiring the Executive, Council, Board of Health and Public Health to work together to develop a sustainable operational and financing model for the County’s provision of public health services. The Policy Framework adopted today will guide Phase II of the PHOMP in evaluating decisions regarding public health operations and funding.
Adoption of the Policy Framework was recommended Feb. 15 by the King County Board of Health and the Council’s Law, Justice and Human Services Committee, in a joint meeting.
Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH
system and type in “2007-0110”
Learn more about the Public Health Operational Master Plan
Phone: (206) 296-1000 | Fax: (206) 296-0198 | TTY/TDD:
(206) 296-1024 | Toll Free: (800) 325-6165
Mailing Address: King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Room 1200,
Seattle, WA 98104-3272