The King County Board of Health expanded in 2023 to include more members of the communities it serves.
Apply to attend the board meeting We welcome applications from King County residents who support the principles of public health and address racism as a public health crisis. Currently, the Board is considering membership applications for one vacant position to join the Board in 2025. The vacancy is a Public Health Consumer Alternative position. The Public Health Consumer Alternative position will represent King County residents who self-identify as facing significant health disparities and have experience with public health-related programs such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), home visiting, and treatment services.
Applications must be received by August 6thNumber2024. This fall, the board will send recommendations to fill those vacancies to the King County Council, which will appoint commissioners by the end of the year. The new commissioners’ terms will begin Jan. 1, 2025.
About the Board of Directors
Currently, the board has eight elected officials, eight non-elected officials representing the public, health care providers and other community stakeholders, and eight non-voting alternate officials.
The Board of Health has several responsibilities. Its mission is to advocate for the maintenance, promotion and protection of public health. The board prevents the spread of disease, sets local public health regulations, fees and licenses, and enforces state and local public health laws. The board does not have budgetary authority.
Previous committee actions include passing regulations banning trans fats in restaurants, regulating e-cigarettes and establishing a drug take-back program.
The Commission issues guidelines and recommendations. For example, the Commission issued guidelines for a Smoke-Free Parks Model Policy to promote a smoke-free experience for visitors to all King County parks.
The Board also writes resolutions expressing support for policies and strategies. For example, the Board passed a resolution encouraging the Washington State Legislature to address climate change and its health impacts, with a focus on communities disproportionately affected by health disparities.
The Board has adopted a racial equity approach in its work and expects its members to be committed to racial equity and ending the impact of racism on health.
Director Expectations
- Attend and participate in monthly meetings held on the third Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
- Non-elected members have the right to vote, except on laws relating to fees.
- Participate in subcommittees as necessary
compensation
Directors who do not receive compensation for their participation through their employer will be paid $225 for each board meeting they attend, but not to exceed $225 per month.
For more information on the health board’s roles and responsibilities, and the application process, please visit their website.
For more information:
First published on July 8, 202Four
