We wandered the public health floors of the King County Chinook building in the two days leading up to the new year to ask staff, “What is your wish for public health for 2015?”
“For Public Health to have stable funding in order to keep the great programs that Public Health currently has in place running.” – Maria Skowron-De La Paz, Diabetes Education
“That the Ebola epidemic in West Africa is controlled and the number of cases go down.” – Carina Elsenboss, Preparedness
“Peace of mind and success for Public Health employees in King County and everywhere. ” – TJ Cosgrove, Community Health Services
“King County Public Health continues to be a national leader in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, and in educating communities about healthier lifestyles.” – Noel Alcoba, Communicable Disease, Epidemiology and Immunizations
“Every child born in King County has the support and services available to them, their family and caregivers to have a healthy, joyful life and maximize their potential.” – Patty Hayes, Interim Director
“For all people, especially children, to enjoy easy and equitable access to safe and beautiful parks, playgrounds, beaches, forests, and trails, no matter what neighborhood they live in. ” – Amy Shumann, Environmental Health
“For every person in King County to live in environment where they can flourish, with access to the outdoors, healthy food, healthy and affordable housing, an environment free of violence, with jobs, public transportation and excellent public education.” – Kate Neville, Environmental Health
“My hope is that we continue to come together as individuals, families, businesses, and public and private agencies to make King County a healthier place to live.” – Ann Doll, Emergency Medical Services
“We remedy all of the health disparities in King County, especially among people of color.” – Daphne Pie, Access and Outreach
“I’m hoping for a safe 2015 for our communities and continued and new collaborations with injury and violence prevention partners!” – Annie Kirk, Violence & Injury Prevention
“I’d like the citizens of King County to better understand what Public Health does and why we’re important to them.” – Roxi Smith, Prevention
“Stable funding for Public Health – Seattle & King County.” – Michele Plorde, Emergency Medical Services
“A galvanizing vision of our primary mission and key activities in a new world of expanded personal health care/insurance access, and enthusiasm on the part of our whole organization to find our new place in that world. ” – Jim Jorgensen, HIV/STD
“Public Health continues to grow stronger in its commitment to equity and social justice, and that its leaders can find ways to secure funding for important health services to continue or be reinstated. ” – Kathy Silverman, HIV/STD
“All of our Public Health Centers meet or exceed visit targets in all programs. Family planning services and health education are recognized as key public health prevention strategies and funded accordingly, and that Public Health develops a strong family planning assurance role with many partners.” – Jerry DeGrieck, Community Health Services
“Increased awareness of the importance of immunizations and improved vaccination coverage among everyone – from infants to the elderly – in our community.” – Libby Page, Immunizations
“Continue to address tobacco use and exposure inequities in King County.” – Sarah Ross-Viles, Prevention
“All kids complete the full vaccine series for all of our vaccine-preventable diseases. And we reduce the dramatic health disparities we see in King County.” – Karen Hartfield, Communicable Disease, Epidemiology & Immunizations
“That we continue to nurture the relationships we built and to listen more to the community.” – June Beleford, Community Partnerships and Community Engagement
Do you have a public health wish for 2015? Share it in our comments section!
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