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Change health board

Among states that retain boards of health, Washington is nearly unique. Most jurisdictions either elect health board members directly, like school boards, or board members are appointed, usually from designated, knowledgeable stakeholder groups like health professional societies and health-regulated industries.

Public health is comprised of technical science-based disciplines that are critical to the health and safety of our communities. Governance and oversight of these agencies should come from engaged and conversant community members who understand the disciplines and their importance to sound public health policy.

The anti-vaccination remarks of health board member and Spokane City Councilman Mike Fagan highlight local public health governance in Washington: Boards of health comprised of elected officials by virtue of their office.

Kim Thorburn, MD, MPH

Spokane

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