Information has been sent out about the King County Board of Health (BOH), that it is expanding in 2023 to include more members of the community. There is an application process for residents that are interested. The deadline for applications are due June 30, 2022. Past Board activities have included passing a regulation banning trans fats in restaurants, regulating e-cigarettes, and establishing a medicine take-back program. It’s responsibilities and mission are vast.
There are expectations for people wanting to join the board. Members will be attending and participating in monthly meetings held on the third Thursday of each month at 1pm. Non-elected members will have the ability to vote except on legislation pertaining to fees. In addition, there will be participation in subcommittees as needed.
The BOH has information online for people wanting to learn more at: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/board-of-health.aspx.
Members will receive compensation for their time. Still, board members who are not being compensated for their participation through their employer will be paid $225 for each full board meeting they attend, not to exceed $225 per month. The Board says that it takes a racial equity approach to its work and expects its members to be committed to racial equity and ending the impacts of racism on health.
At present, there are 8 elected officials and 3 health professionals on the board. The expanded Board will include 8 elected officials and 8 non-elected people who represent the public, healthcare, and other community stakeholders. The Board of Health is really important to the county and has several responsibilities. It advocates for the preservation, promotion, and protection of public health.
The board issues guidelines and recommendations. It also creates resolutions to express support for policies or strategies. The Board works to prevent the spread of disease, set local public health regulations and some fees and licenses, and enforce state and local public health laws. However, the Board does not have budget authority.
The BOH has information online for people wanting to learn more at: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/board-of-health.aspx.
