Recent News
“Public health contracts reopened”
The Columbian, November 17, 2008
http://www.columbian.com/article/20081117/
NEWS02/711179976/-1/NEWS
Budget shortfalls may force Clark County Public Health to reevaluate which programs it can provide to the community and which can be contracted out to local nonprofit organizations. While the hope is that services and quality would remain, it’s uncertain whether this can be achieved.
“More health district cuts unlikely in 2009”
Tri-City Herald, November 12, 2008
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/kennewick
_pasco_richland/story/381033.html
The Benton-Franklin Board of Health has developed a draft budget that allows them to continue operating many essential services without any further assistance from the counties. However, the budget will require the elimination of some programs and an increase in fees for some services.
“Snohomish Health District cutting jobs, services”
The Seattle Times, November 4, 2008
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/
2008351405_webhealth05m.html
With very limited funding, the Snohomish County health board voted to cut 36 positions. Many programs are facing cuts or elimination and fees are also being raised for some services.
“County health district announces budget cuts”
The Herald, November 4, 20087
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20081104/
NEWS01/811049907&
SearchID=73336363800680
Despite promising news that Snohomish County may devote more money towards public health, severe cuts may still be necessary. It’s likely that health district clinics will now be open for fewer days and other programs are also on the chopping block.
“Skagit Co. budget cuts could hurt needy families”
King 5, November 3, 2008
http://www.king5.com/health/stories/
NW_110308WAB_skagit_county_budget
_cuts_SW.1796e196d.html
Skagit County may be forced to eliminate its "Women Infants and Children" (WIC) program, which could negatively many families and children. Facing a budget deficit, many other programs are also at risk.
“Benton County anticipates few budget woes”
Tri-City Herald, November 2, 2008
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/
kennewick_pasco_richland/story/
370652.html
Benton County faces a much better budget forecast than many counties in the state. There will still be difficult budget decisions to make, though public health has been named as a priority.
“King County hit 30-year high in cases of active TB in 2007”
Seattle PI, October 31, 2008
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/
385736_tb31.html
News of a record high TB rate in 2007 comes at the same time that budget cuts are threatening to decrease TB prevention programs. The public health program dealing with TB has been placed in the county budget ‘lifeboat’ which will expire in six months if new funding is not identified.
“Ron Sims: Gambling Man”
Seattle Weekly, October 28, 2008
http://www.seattleweekly.com/2008-10-29/
news/gambling-man/1
Due to budget shortfalls, King County Executive Ron Sims has forced a 10 day furlough for almost all county employees in 2009. The furloughs are in addition to the 126 layoffs already made.
“More Jobs or Better Pay? Working together”
Seattle PI, October 28, 2008
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/
385371_kcjobsed.html
King County Executive Ron Sims has asked all nonessential county employees to take 10 days of unpaid leave in 2009 to help close the county budget shortfall. Public health nurses would be affected by the furlough.
“King County plans to close its offices for 10 days to save money”
The Seattle Times, October 28, 2008
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
html/localnews/2008319634_
shutdown28m.html
King County plans to close for 10 days next year, the first time such a measure has ever been taken to address a budget shortfall. The unpaid furlough would affect all ‘nonessential’ employees, including public health nurses.
“County plans to save with 10 extra days of shutdowns”
Seattle PI, October 27, 2008
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/
local/385213_budget28.html
King County Executive Ron Sims is approaching county employee unions about the possibility of taking 10 days of unpaid leave in 2009. Public health nurses would be affected by such a furlough.
“Snohomish County '09 budget takes hit”
The Seattle Times, October 17, 2008
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
html/localnews/2008276732_snoh
obudget17m.html
Projected 2009 budget shortfall grows from $9 million to $21 million in Snohomish County. Layoffs expected to be higher than the 70 jobs already projected to be cut.
“Many county jobs hang in the balance: Reardon, County Council tell workers to brace for steep budget cuts”
The Herald, October 17, 2008
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/
20081017/NEWS01/710179824
&news01ad=1#Many.county.
jobs.hang.in.the.balance
A higher than expected budget shortfall has forced the Snohomish County Council to ask department heads to identify up to 10% more in cost reductions. Under previous estimates, County Executive Aaron Reardon had said that 95 jobs were in jeopardy but that number is expected increase in the coming days.
“King County Job Cuts May Affect Health Care”
KIRO, October 16, 2008
http://www.kirotv.com/news/
17736874/detail.html
King County budget shortfalls will force deep cuts to public health services and possible clinic closures. Board of Health hopes that state lawmakers will be able to add funding this year so that essential services are not cut.
“Health District launches review”
The Herald, October 16, 2008
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/
20081016/NEWS01/710169905
&SearchID=73333230459949
Facing a larger county budget shortfall than expected, the Snohomish Health District board is seeking additional ways to cut costs. Layoffs are expected to increase from the 35 already anticipated to a possible 50 jobs. Programs and services will also be affected by the funding shortage.
“Health district adopts 5-year strategic plan”
Tri-City Herald, October 16, 2008
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/kennewick
_pasco_richland/story/351408.html
Benton-Franklin Health District strategic plan to focus on health protection, promotion and prevention. However, if funding crisis not resolved, the district will only be able to maintain state mandated programs.
“Snohomish County braces for public health cuts”
KOMO News, October 16, 2008
http://www.komonews.com/news/
31083544.html
Counties across the state are dealing with budget shortfalls. Snohomish County is now facing difficult decisions about which programs and services might be cut or downsized.
“126 King County employees face layoff”
The Seattle Times, October 15, 2008
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
html/localnews/2008267861_layoffs15
m.html
Public health is named as one of the departments expected to take the hardest hits during the budget process. Up to 45 jobs are expected to be cut from public health.
“$21 million budget shortfall predicted for Snohomish County”
The Herald, October 15, 2008
http://heraldnet.com/article/
20081015/NEWS01/710159719
With the economy now worse than expected, previous estimates of a $9 million budget shortfall in Snohomish County have increased to $21 million. Health district warns that critical programs for the county’s poorest and most vulnerable populations are at risk.
“Health programs take a bitter hit: Sims' county budget plan cuts $19 million”
Seattle PI, October 15, 2008
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/
383296_publichealth15.html
The proposed King County budget calls for a $19 million cut for 2009, but County Executive Ron Sims has identified critical programs and placed them in a “lifeboat” with $8 million in emergency funding to sustain them for an additional six months. If new funding is not identified for these programs, they will face cut backs when the emergency funding expires.
“126 King County Workers Getting Pink Slips”
KIRO, October 14, 2008
http://www.kirotv.com/jobs/
17714503/detail.html
With 126 layoffs countywide, public health is expected to lose up to 40 nurses. Barbara Frye, WSNA Director of Labor Relations, discusses the danger of such drastic cuts.
“Benton-Franklin Health District cutbacks looming”
Tri-City Herald, October 14, 2008
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/kennewick
_pasco_richland/story/349063.html
The Benton-Franklin Health District is facing dire financial circumstances. They have cut as much from their budget as possible without cutting services, but it appears that further cuts are necessary. It now appears that layoffs, program cuts, and increases in fees for services are possible.
“400 county jobs could fall victim to $93 million shortfall”
Seattle PI, October 14, 2008
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/
local/383123_budget14.html
King County Executive Ron Sims’ new budget calls for up to $3 million in cuts for public health. Many public health programs have been put in the “lifeboat” with emergency funding for six months. If a new funding source isn’t identified, critical programs will be cut when the emergency fund has run out.
“County shortfall to trigger up to 255 layoff notices”
The Seattle Times, October 14, 2008
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
html/localnews/2008262277_webking
budget13m.html
With an estimated $93 million budget shortfall, King County is expected to lay off 255 workers. Critical programs and services have been placed in a “lifeboat” with emergency funding from the county to extend these programs an addition six months, but additional funding will be needed from other sources for programs to survive after the emergency funding runs out.
“Programs for poor at highest risk with proposed county cuts”
Seattle PI, October 7, 2008
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/
382106_publichealth08.html
Facing a $90 million shortfall in the King County budget, public health funding is expected to be cut by at least $12 million. WSNA’s media campaign and efforts to save public health funding are discussed.
“Budget woes put public-health agencies on critical list”
The Seattle Times, October 7, 2008
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/
localnews/2008234401_publichealth07m.html
King County budget shortfall could lead to a $12 million cut in public health funding. The Nurse-Family Partnership is one of many programs that could be eliminated or downsized.
“Franklin County dealing with tough numbers in developing 2009 budget”
Tri-City Herald, October 6, 2008
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/kennewick
_pasco_richland/story/340752.html
Public health funding remains a top priority for Franklin County officials during difficult budget process.
“Around the County: County budget panels scheduled”
The Herald, October 6, 2008
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20081006/
NEWS01/710069941&SearchID=
73332349432800
County Councilman Dave Gossett will host budget hearings on "Safe and Healthy Communities" on October 9th, 15th and 22nd. Members of the public are encouraged to attend these public forums and provide input.
“County financial report worsens"
The Herald, October 2, 2008
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20081002/
NEWS01/710029880#County.f
inancial.report.worsens
With sales tax revenue estimated to be lower than expected next year, Snohomish County faces a bleak budget forecast. Nurses were among those who spoke before the County Council about the importance of many public services that are in danger of being eliminated.
“B-F Health District to consider cutting staff”
Tri-City Herald, September 23, 2008
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/kennewick
_pasco_richland/story/325367.html
Benton-Franklin Health District faces a $1.6 million budget shortfall and plans to reassess staffing needs.
"Snohomish Health District to wait on layoffs"
The Herald, September 10, 2008
Snohomish Health District board decides to delay layoffs in hopes of finding more funding. Fees for services will be increased to help close budget shortfall.
www.heraldnet.com/article/
20080910/NEWS01/709109826
&SearchID=73329557640554
"King County budget shortfall rises to $90 million"
The Seattle Times, September 5, 2008
Previous estimates of King County budget underestimated shortfall. Possible cuts could mean health-clinic closures.
seattletimes.nwsource.com/
html/localnews/2008160413
_webkingbudget05m.html?
syndication=rss
"County plans to shed some health services"
The Columbian, August 26, 2008
Clark County Public Health addresses budget shortfall and outlines which programs are at risk of being cut. Staff reductions also necessary to close budget gap.
www.columbian.com/article/
20080825/NEWS02/105075
"County, cities urged to aid Snohomish Health District"
The Herald, August 13, 2008
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon urges cities and counties to financially assist Snohomish Health District to ensure that critical health programs are not cut.
www.heraldnet.com/article/
20080813/NEWS01/402211336
&SearchID=73329557640554
"King County budget shortfall at $86.5 million for 2009"
The Seattle Times, August 5, 2008
Public health, community and human services named as departments that would take the deepest cuts.
/seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/
localnews/2008092034_kingbudget05m.html
"Snohomish Health District may lay off 35 employees"
The Herald, August 2, 2008
With budget cuts looming, Snohomish Health Districts announces possible staff cuts and warns of future decreases in services if budget crisis continues.
www.heraldnet.com/article/20080802/
NEWS01/477266167&SearchID=
73329557640554
"King County may have to shut some public-health clinics"
The Seattle Times, July 18, 2008
With King County facing budget shortfalls, Board of Health warns that critical services could be cut including public-health clinics and programs to combat infectious diseases.
seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/
localnews/2008058628_
publichealth18m.html
"County health services facing $10 million cut"
Seattle PI, July 17, 2008
Members of the King County Board of Health gather to protest any cuts to public health funding and warn that lives could be at risk. Board of Health urges state legislature to find permanent and stable funding.
seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/
371221_healthcuts18.html
"Disaster planning money reduced"
The Herald, July 18, 2008
A decrease in federal money for regional public health emergencies forces staff layoffs . Cuts affect emergency preparedness in Snohomish, Island, Skagit, Whatcom and San Juan counties.
www.heraldnet.com/article/20080718/
NEWS01/700231358&SearchID=
73329557640554
Opinions & Editorials
“Get ready for a big sting”
Opinion, Seattle PI, November 4, 2008
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/
386378_countycuts05.html
WSNA Local Unit Co-Chairs for the Seattle/King County Health Department give their perspective on the risks the community will face if public health funding is cut any further.
“Medical system is overdue for checkup”
Editorial, Seattle PI, October 24, 2008
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/
384888_medicaled.html
Seattle PI editorial board argues for increased funding for health programs, including public health. Addressing financial needs on the state level and giving counties more flexibility in raising revenue are named as possible means of closing funding gaps and ensuring a strong health safety net.
“From the field: Challengesin Public Health Nursing”
Public Health Nursing Newsletter, Fall 2008 Edition
http://www.apha.org/membergroups/
newsletters/sectionnewsletters/public_nur/fall08/
Commentary by Peggy J. Slider, BSN, PHN, member of WSNA’s Cabinet on General & Economic Welfare.
Defines the role of public health nurses and the current challenges facing public health nurses. Advocates for research and recognition of the impact public health nurses have on the health of populations.
“From the field: A Director's Point of View”
Public Health Nursing Newsletter, Fall 2008 Edition
http://www.apha.org/membergroups/
newsletters/sectionnewsletters/public_nur/fall08/
Commentary by Elaine Conley, RN, BSN, MPH.
Funding cuts are just one of many challenges facing public health districts today. With all of the benefits that public health provides, it is a critical time for public health nurses and the general public to advocate for better funding and support for public health.
"Public health cuts: a prescription for poor health"
Commentary, The Herald, August 31, 2008
Editorial by Barbara J. Bly, RN, and Mara Marano-Bianco, RN, condemning proposed cuts to public health funding.
www.heraldnet.com/article/20080831/
OPINION03/708319954&SearchID=
73329557640554
"Dangerous cuts in public health"
Columnist, The Wenatchee World, August 20, 2008
With budget cuts the will lay off a quarter of its workforce, the Chelan-Douglas Health District is in crisis and faces the alarming possibility of being unable to meet basic needs.
wenatcheeworld.com/apps/pbcs.dll/
article?AID=/20080820/OP03/66934/-1/OP
"Protect public health, now and in the future"
Editorial, The Herald, August 17, 2008
Quick action urged to ensure adequate funding for Snohomish Public Health.
www.heraldnet.com/article/20080817/
OPINION01/428939760&SearchID=
73329557640554
"Snohomish County must preserve vital public-health services"
Guest Columnist, The Seattle Times, August 12, 2008
Snohomish Health District board members John Koster, Snohomish County councilman and Mark Lamb, mayor of Bothell, write about critical need to maintain funding for public-safety infrastructure.
seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/
2008106324_snohoped12.html
"King County's $60 million budget fix"
Editorial, The Seattle Times, June 18, 2008
Increase in taxes advised instead of cuts to public health or safety.
seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/
editorialsopinion/2008002816
_countyed18.html
Letters to the Editor
“Public health shortchanged”
Tri-City Herald, November 17, 2008
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/
letters/story/386903.html
Public health is an essential service in both health prevention and response to emergencies. Benton County and Franklin County are urged to increase their funding of public health to ensure a safe and healthy future for the community.
“Preserve public health”
Tri-City Herald, October 16, 2008
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/
letters/story/351682.html
Betty Cummings, a public health nurse in the Benton-Franklin Health District, explains how her work with special needs children and new parents is vital to the families she reaches directly and to the community at large. She urges the county not to make any more cuts to public health funding.
“County government's first priority needs to be people”
Seattle PI, October 16, 2008
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/
opinion/383429_poorcuts16.html
Priority in making budget cuts should be placed on saving vital health and human services programs. It is essential that a long-term solution be found so that the safety net of support for vulnerable children and families is maintained.
“Support public health”
Tri-City Herald, October 10, 2008
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/
letters/story/345721.html
Public health nurse Nancy Klotz details the health benefits and costs savings of investing in public health. Through preventative programs and health promotion, public health saves money and creates healthier communities.
“Prevention delivers positive futures”
The Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader, October 8, 2008
http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?
SectionID=5&SubSectionID=5&
ArticleID=22048&TM=52231.4
Through the Nurse-Family Partnership program, public health nurses provide first-time parents with education and coaching. The program is proven to have positive effects on the community and the child’s future.
"Funding will help schools stay healthy"
The Herald, September 11, 2008
A school nurse explains how public health nurses help keep schools and children healthy.
www.heraldnet.com/article/
20080911/OPINION02/709119992
&SearchID=73329639436756
"We can't take risks with our health"
The Herald, September 7, 2008
A retired nurse warns that essential services like child immunizations and epidemic disease control could be lost if public health funding continues to decrease.
www.heraldnet.com/article/20080907/
OPINION02/709079998&
SearchID=73329641085273
"Fund now, or face greater costs later"
The Herald, September 2, 2008
Budget cuts in public health affect the health and safety of our communities and will only make health expense greater in the future.
www.heraldnet.com/article/20080902/
OPINION02/709029990&SearchID
=73329641300016
"For safety's sake, find the funding"
The Herald, August 29, 2008
Now is the time to find for more funding for public health in 2009 and beyond so that we can all have better protection form infectious disease outbreaks.
www.heraldnet.com/article/20080829/
OPINION02/708299803&
SearchID=73329641787154
"Don't let child health go unfunded"
The Herald, August 26, 2008
Child Health Care Program that helps ensure safety in childcare settings faces elimination in face of budget cuts.
www.heraldnet.com/article/
20080826/OPINION02/45999932
&SearchID=73329642040469
"County must get priorities straight"
The Herald, August 24, 2008
County should maintain funding for public health rather than spending funds on property acquisition.
www.heraldnet.com/article/20080824/
OPINION02/46000698&SearchID=
73329642271862
