Thurston County Board of Health announces composition changes
May 11-The Thurston County Board of Health has updated its membership structure, reducing the total number of members from 12 to 10.
The change expands tribal representation to include individuals from the Nisqually Indian Tribe, Squaxin Island Tribe and Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, and enhances regional representation by including a rotating elected official from one of the south Thurston County cities of Bucoda, Rainier, Tenino and Yelm to represent the South County and its needs, according to a news release from the Thurston County Board of Health.
This new 10-member Board of Health composition was adopted to comply with RCW 70.05.030 to include:
-Three county commissioner members from the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners
-Two city seats as appointed by the cities: Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater; and south county, Yelm, Tenino, Rainier and Bucoda
-Three Tribal representatives from the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, Nisqually Indian Tribe, and Squaxin Island Tribe
-Two community member seats: one member representing public health, health care facilities, and providers; one member representing other community stakeholders, non-profits or business owners
-Two non-voting youth representatives
For the first time in Thurston County Board of Health history, two youth representatives were selected to bring about the youth voice. While non-voting members, the primary and alternate youth representatives will be able to voice how services, media and outreach include this population, the news release stated.
This change to the Board of Health's composition aligns with recent updates to Washington State legislation regarding tribal representation on local boards of health. It also supports the public interest by increasing inclusion of smaller, more rural communities across Thurston County, the county said in a news release.
"The amendment strengthens opportunities to expand community partnerships and help reduce health disparities," the county stated in the release.
"This is a landmark achievement by our Public Health and Social Services staff and by our Board of Health," Thurston County Manager Leonard Hernandez said in the release. "Decisions that affect these Tribes and younger generations will now be made with them at the table. I want to extend my deepest thanks to our PHSS staff and Board of Health for their patient, steady efforts over the years. Because of their persistence, the wisdom of our Tribal partners and the energy of our future generations will now be woven into the fabric of our decision making."
The Board of Thurston County Commissioners set a public hearing for 3:30 p.m. June 2, or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, on the proposed ordinance amending Thurston County Code Section 2.07.010 - Board of Health Composition, to align with RCW 70.05.030 as it pertains to tribal membership.
Learn more at www.thurstoncountywa.gov/boh.
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