May 25, 2007
Executive transmits supplemental budget to council
Funds to keep Public Health clinics open through 2008
Today, Executive Ron Sims officially transmitted to the King County Council the supplemental budget that includes funding to keep all Public Health clinics open through 2007 and creates reserves for funding the clinics for 2008 while long-term solutions are developed.
"Public Health clinics provide an important safety net for some of our community’s most vulnerable people," said Executive Sims. "I’m pleased that the clinics will stay open through 2008 while we look for long-term solutions to assure access to high quality health care for all King County residents. I'd like to thank Budget Chair Bob Ferguson for his leadership on this issue, and all councilmembers for their support of the clinics."
Public Health operates 10 health care clinics throughout King County that received over 425,000 visits in 2006, many from uninsured residents. The supplemental request being transmitted to the King County Council will provide $5 million from the county’s Current Expense Fund to keep the clinics operating through December, 2007. The legislation also establishes reserves in the CX financial plan to fund the clinics in 2008.
While the clinics will remain open, there may be changes in operations or services provided to improve effectiveness within a coordinated community service network while also addressing on-going public health funding challenges.
"This is great news that will benefit our clients in the short term," said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health Seattle-King County. "The long term picture means that we will continue to prioritize innovation as we determine how to address the chronic mismatch between resources and patient need."
Public Health is currently engaged in an Operation Master Plan process to improve overall departmental effectiveness and address chronic funding shortfalls. One goal is to maximize efficiency of clinic operations by working with other medical providers in the community to develop a comprehensive service network to serve the people most in need. For more information on the Public Health Operational Master Plan visit http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/publichealthmasterplan/.