June, 2003: Public Health Matters
From the Computer of Mayor Dave

I serve as a member of the Board of the Seattle/King County Board of Health. This is the agency charged with maintaining our public health. In order to be responsive, the agency needs to be nimble enough to respond to new and emerging health concerns.

Among the tasks the board is charged with is preventing and controlling the spread of infectious disease. This year that task is enormous. Just this year, public health officials have responded to requests to test for anthrax and to monitor new illnesses such as SARS and West Nile Virus.

The Board sets county-wide public health policy, enacts and enforces local public health regulations, and enforces state public health statutes. This is in addition to their ongoing tasks of health clinics and monitoring endemic diseases such as TB and e coli infections. Public Health monitors food preparation in restaurants and day care centers. They help to to insure the food you eat is safe. They enforce regulations to insure that food handlers prepare meals safely.

King County Public health teams are first responders. We all depend on them. If you have any ideas or thoughts, feel free to email me at mayord@ci.lake-forest-park.wa.us or phone me at 206-368-5440.

              -- Dave