Thurston County's Board of Health will expand from three to eight members by July in a bid to be more inclusive.
The Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved expanding the county's Board of Health. With this vote, the county aims to comply with recently passed state law regulating the make-up of such boards.
The Board of Health governs Thurston County's Public Health and Social Services Department, overseeing efforts to improve public health. Currently, the three County Commissioners make up the Board of Health.
Gov. Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1152 in 2021 amid the still on-going COVID-19 pandemic. The law calls for the creation of comprehensive public health districts across the state, with more inclusive boards.
In addition to the county commissioners, the new Board of Health will include an elected city official, a tribal representative, a healthcare professional, a member representing consumers of public health, and a member representing community stakeholders.
The county says this expansion will allow for a "community-based approach" to setting public health policy, according to a news release. Additionally, the board hopes this move will help address health disparities in Thurston County.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of maintaining strong public health policies," said Commissioner Tye Menser, who also chairs the Board of Health. "The expansion of the Board of Health will give our community broader representation where public health is concerned."
A recruitment process will soon be underway to fill the board by July, the county news release says. Those interested in the new Board of Health can learn more by contacting county public information officer Bryan Dominique at 360-463-3437.
