The King County Council and the Chair of the Board of Health today announced their plan to develop long-term solutions to continue the provision of health care services to low income and vulnerable King County residents.

The Council identified funding for the operation of two public health centers in North King County for the remainder of 2007. This will allow the clinics to remain open while the Council develops a financially sustainable, long-term solution. To assist in this effort, the Council is directing that an expert panel be formed to make recommendations on how best to ensure a strong community health care safety net.

“One of the fundamental roles for Public Health is to ensure that high quality health care is accessible to all people, especially low-income and vulnerable populations,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, chair of the King County Board of Health. “The Public Health Operational Master Plan (PHOMP), along with the recommendations from the expert panel, will help us develop a long-term strategy for the provision of health care services. Through our PHOMP, we are prioritizing the core functions of the Public Health department so we do not continue to face the staggering cuts and funding crises we have experienced in recent years.”

“The County’s ‘Priorities for People’ call for protecting public health by promoting conditions for optimal physical and mental health,” said Councilmember Dow Constantine, Chair of the Annual Budget Committee. “Our Operational Master Plan and expert panel will recommend whether the best way to provide safety net services is through public health centers, contracting with private providers close to the communities, or some other means.”

“King County is facing a public health crisis. We heard the message from those who testified at our public hearings on the 2007 budget: keep the two North King County centers open through 2007,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, chair of the Capital Budget Panel. “Both centers are located in my district and this legislation will ensure uninterrupted access and services for the uninsured and underinsured."

“Long-term planning is important for access to public health clinics throughout King County,” said Councilmember Jane Hague, chair of the Operating Budget Panel.

Public Health - Seattle King County (PHSKC) recommended closure of the North and Northshore Public Health Centers in its 2007 budget request. The Executive’s proposed budget provided funding for the centers through June of 2007. The Council’s action today ensures the two centers will continue operating through 2007.

ABOUT THE PUBLIC HEALTH OPERATIONAL MASTER PLAN

The Council has spearheaded a strategic planning process called the Public Health Operational Master Plan (PHOMP) to develop long-term sustainable operational and financing solutions for critical public health functions. The Council calls for a close evaluation of the role that PHSKC should play in direct provision of safety net services. Phase II of the PHOMP will examine the role of PHSKC in providing personal health care services and create a transition plan to for any services that might better be provided outside of the public health department.

“Our long-term answer must be found by proceeding with our Operational Master Plan that will examine how to achieve the best health outcomes for clinic clients,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who also sits on the Board of Health. “We are one of few counties in the state that provide these services directly, rather than working with community providers to create a network of care.”

Washington State used to fund public health through the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax (MVET). However, passage of Initiative 695 in 1999 repealed the MVET, cutting state funding for public health that has never been fully restored.

The funding and expert panel for public health centers are among the significant new policy initiatives Councilmembers have written into the King County Budget, which is scheduled for final adoption on Nov. 20.

For more information on the 2007 Budget, visit the King County Council’s Budget Web site