KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - People who care about health care quality, medical costs, patient safety, inequalities in health, and the capacity of the public health system to protect people from disease and other important health policy issues will have an opportunity to share their views on the evening of Tuesday, June 13th. The Washington State Board of Health, in cooperation with Public Health - Seattle & King County, will host a forum on public health and medical care issues facing the state.

The forum will be held from on Tuesday, June 13th from 6:30-9:15 p.m. at Highline Community College in Building 2, 2400 S 240th St., Des Moines.

The forum will feature a presentation about health promotion efforts in King County. Local panelists will include Kathy Carson, Parent Child Health Manager, Public Health – Seattle & King County; Carolyn Kramer, Seattle Public Schools; and Kirsten Wysen, Policy Analyst, Public Health – Seattle & King County.

Every five years, the board holds public forums across the state to gather input for the State Health Report, which it prepares and proposes to the governor for adoption. The report, which is issued every two years, is meant to guide legislative and budget requests by state health care agencies. Members of the Governor’s Policy Staff will be on hand and representatives of several state agencies have been invited.

The state Board of Health’s Web site has more information about the forum and obtaining a copy of the 2006 State Health Report discussion draft; or contact the State Board of Health office at 360-236-4104. Copies will also be available at the public forum.

Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.

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