HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2015-038WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL NO. 2015 310
CLEARANCES
Initial
Date
Date Received in Council Office
Agenda Date
Assigned to:
Originator:
Barry Buch
10/7/2015
10/6/2015
Board of Health
Division Head:
De 3t. Head:
Prosecutor:
Pta•chasin /Bard et:
Executive:
TITLE OF DOCUMENT:
Res. Committing Whatcom County to adopt a "Healthy Planning Approach
ATTACHMENTS:
SEPA review required? ( ) Yes ( ) NO
SEPA review co»zpleted? ( ) Yes ( ) NO
Should Clerk schedule a hearing ? ( ) Yes ( ) NO
Requested Date:
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: (If this item is an ordinance or requires a public
hearing, you must provide the language for use in the required public notice. Be specific and cite RCW or WCC as appropriate.
Be clear in explaining the intent of the action.)
Resolution Committing Whatcom County to adopt a "Healthy Planning Approach
COMMITTEE ACTION:
COUNCIL ACTION.•
10/6/2015: Approved 6 -0, Kremen absent, Res. 2015 -038
Related County Contract #:
Related File Numbers:
Ordinance or Resolution
Number: R2015 -38
Please Note: Once adopted and signed, ordinances and resolutions are available for viewing andprinting
on the County's website at: www.co.whatcom.wa.us /council.
Healthy Planning
PROPOSED BY: Barry Buchanan
INTRODUCED:
RESOLUTION NO. 1015 -038
COMMITTING WHATCOM COUNTY TO ADOPT A "HEALTHY PLANNING" APPROACH
WHEREAS, the health and well -being of the residents of Whatcom County are critical for a
prosperous and sustainable Whatcom County; and
and
WHEREAS, health starts —long before illness —in our families, neighborhoods, schools, and jobs;
WHEREAS, there is growing awareness that health is influenced by the interaction of many
factors, and not simply by genetics, individual behavior, or access to medical care; and
WHEREAS, it is now widely accepted that health is also determined by social and economic
factors and opportunities including the availability of resources and supports in homes, neighborhoods,
and communities -at- large; and
WHEREAS, all people in Whatcom County should have the opportunities to make the choices
that allow them to live long, healthy, and productive lives regardless of their income, education, or
ethnic background; and
WHEREAS, data show that people living in poverty, or who have limited education, or who live
in isolated areas in Whatcom County, or who experience racial or ethnic discrimination or other social
stresses are more likely to report poor health status and have lower life expectancy; and
WHEREAS, data also show that people who have greater access to economic resources, social
supports, and healthy community amenities such as quality affordable housing, safe places to walk, bike,
play, and connect, and places to get affordable healthy foods for their families are more likely to
experience good health status; and
WHEREAS, plans and policies implemented by Whatcom County outside of the traditional health
sector significantly affect access to health opportunities; and
WHEREAS, these plans and policies include those related to land use, food access, housing,
transportation, public safety, education, parks and recreation, water and air quality, criminal justice, and
economic development; and
WHEREAS, increasing health opportunities can lead to improved health, reduced health
disparities, reduced health care costs, and reduced criminal justice costs; and
WHEREAS, a "Healthy Planning" approach involves inclusion of health criteria in the
development and adoption of community plans and policies; and
WHEREAS, by adopting a "Healthy Planning" approach, Whatcom County demonstrates its
commitment to address health as a community priority and increase health opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Public Health Advisory Board serves in an advisory capacity to
the Health Board and to the Whatcom County Health Department; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that it shall be the policy of Whatcom County to apply a "Healthy
Planning" approach to Whatcom County's community planning processes and decision- making,
including but not limited to the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Public Health Advisory Board, working with
the Whatcom County Health Department and other city and county departments, will identify and
recommend tools, processes, and opportunities to integrate a health perspective in community planning
processes and decision- making; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that topics of consideration in community planning may include, but
are not limited to, access to health care services; affordable, safe, and healthy housing; active living and
transportation; access to healthy food; clean air, water, and soil; parks, recreation, and green spaces;
economic opportunity; safety and violence prevention; and support for children, families, and other
vulnerable populations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Public Health Advisory Board will make initial
recommendations to the Health Board regarding a "Healthy Planning" approach on or before January
31, 2016; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Health Board will review this policy on an annual basis to
evaluate progress.
APPROVED this 6th day of October 2015.
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APPROVE AS TO FORM :
aren Frakes, ivi 6' puty Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Carl Weimer, Health Board Chair