Action Area:
Investing in Prevention
Key Healthiest State Measure:
Public Health System Investment
Washington's local and state public health agencies judge the adequacy of our public
health infrastructure using a set of broadly framed standards known as the Public
Health Improvement Partnership or PHIP Standards.1 A 2005 assessment
against these standards revealed a wide range of public health system performance
across the state. Overall, only about 60 percent of Washington's public health system
elements were found to be performing at levels identified by the standards.
In the United Health Foundation's 2006 state health rankings, Washington again ranked
44th nationally in public health spending, at $81 per capita.2 In fact,
of the 18 health measures and outcomes used to rank state health, Washington is
lowest in this indicator.
In 2007, state and local public health agencies need clear performance measures
and no fewer than $100 million in additional state funds in the coming two years
to begin re-building their infrastructure for emergency preparedness, control of
infectious diseases, environmental health, public health assessment, and prevention
and treatment of chronic diseases. State funds should help ensure quality and accountability—tied
to specific performance in relation to regularly reported public health status indicators.
Background & Summary:
Improve Public Health Performance and
Capacity Background & Summary
Talking Points:
Joint Select Committee
on Public Health Financing
History of State Public
Health Funding
Related News Articles:
"Timing
is right for improvement in state's commitment to public health", Seattle
Post-Intelligencer
"Storm response reveals room for improvement",
The Seattle Times
"A down payment on public health", The Seattle Times
"Legislature: Investing in health", Seattle Post-Intelligencer
"Public Health: Pay now, not later", Seattle Post-Intelligencer
2007 Washington State Legislative Bill Watch:
1 http://www.doh.wa.gov/phip/standards_for_public_health_in_washington_state.htm
2National Association of State Budget Officers published in the 2006
United Health Foundation State Health Rankings