HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket Health Board Mar 30 2021Whatcom County
Council as the Health Board
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
10 AM
Virtual Meeting
VIRTUAL MEETING - VIEW ONLINE
COUNCILMEMBERS
Rud Browne
Barry Buchanan
Tyler Byrd
Todd Donovan
Ben Elenbaas
Carol Frazey
Kathy Kershner
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C.
Council as the Health Board Meeting Agenda March 30, 2021
Call To Order
Roll Call
Public Comment
Director and Health Officer Report
Discussion on COVID Impact Assessment
AB2021-196 Discussion on COVID Impact Assessment from Public Health Advisory Board
Update on State Legislative Session
AB2021-197 Update on State Legislature from the Whatcom County Health Department
Update on Vaccinations
AB2021-198 Update on COVID-19 Vaccines from Whatcom County Health Department
Adjournment
Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 21712024
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
AS THE
HEALTH BOARD
10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 30th, 2021
Virtual
Access information can be found:
www.whatcomcounty.us/ioinvirtualcouncil
AGENDA
Meetin_g Topics
1. Roll Call
2. Public Comment
3. Director and Health Officer Report ..............,
4. Discussion on COVID Impact Assessment
5. Update on State Legislative Session __________
6. Update on Vaccinations
Whatcom County
' I HEALTH
Department
Pages
Time
no ppr
10:00-10:05
no ppr
10:05-10:15
.pg 2-3
.pg 4
pg 5-7
,pg 8 to end
10:15-10:30
10:30-10:45
10:45-11:00
11:00-11:30
Overview
The purpose of this report is to provide a brief summary of progress on implementation of the Child and Family Action Plan
(CFAP) adopted by the Health Board in February 2020.
Progress on Key Action Items
1. Infrastructure and Budget to Support County Child & Family Work
• Office of County Executive assigned responsibility for supporting CFAP initiatives to the Health Department, while
awaiting recommendations from Task Force for additional infrastructure development
• Office of County Executive worked with City of Bellingham for contribution toward funding CFAP implementation
• Council adopted 2021-22 supplemental budget request to support elements of the CFAP, including task force, fiscal
analysis and health navigation system.
2. Establishing a County Child and Family Well-being Task Force
• County funding allocated to support Task Force development and facilitation in 2021-22 County Budget
• Task Force ordinance drafted by Public Health Advisory Board and approved by Council on 11/24/20
• Task Force membership includes 15 representatives identified for permanent organizational positions, 15 additional
members appointed by Council on 1/26/21
• First task force meeting was held on 3/8/21 (with plans for twice monthly meetings)
For more information about the Task Force, including roster, meeting agenda and notes see:
httDS://www.whatcomcountv.us/3537/Child-and-Familv-Well-Beina-Task-Force
3. Fiscal Analysis and Funding for Child and Family Programs and Services
• Determining scope of fiscal analysis included as a Task Force assignment in early 2021
• Some funding to support fiscal analysis included in County budget
4. County Services for Children and Families
• Limited progress on culturally appropriate/trauma-informed services initiative (may tie in with emerging County
racial equity initiatives)
• Funding allocated for child & family Health Navigation System planning and implementation in County Budget.
Planning for this program has begun.
5. Initiatives to Support Child Care, Housing, and Behavioral Health Supports for Children and Families
• County staff convening and coordinating with community partners on efforts to increase access to child care,
housing stability for families with children, and behavioral health supports for children and families. These priority
issues are being addressed as part of Healthy Whatcom's Community Health Improvement Planning in 2021.
3/19/2021
2of12
Overview
The purpose of this report is to provide a brief summary of progress on implementation of actions in support of the Health
Board's 2020 resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis in Whatcom County.
Link to resolution at http://documents.whatcomcounty.us/weblink8/0/doc/4665496/Pagel.aspx?searchid=dcc97b27-
a0db-4f06-9efc-c1 f019c8124f
Progress
1. Establishing Public Health Advisory Board (PHAB) Sub -committee on Racial Equity
• PHAB voted to establish a sub -committee on racial equity to identify opportunities for changes to PHAB
practices that would support greater diversity on the board and provide support to Health Board and Health
Department on matters related to advancing racial equity in Whatcom County.
• PHAB Sub -committee began meeting monthly in February and has had two meetings to date.
2. Establishing an Internal County Planning Group to Determine Next Steps
• Health Department staff are coordinating with the Office of the County Executive to convene a small group of
county leaders, including Human Resources leadership, to map out next steps for pursuing membership in the
Government Alliance on Race and Equity and other action steps outlined in the Health Board's resolution such
as staff training.
• First meeting of the internal planning group to be scheduled for April 2021.
3. Supporting Community Efforts with Focus on Racial Equity
• Staff within the Office of the County Executive are working with the City of Bellingham and community partners
to advance the development of a Racial Equity Commission.
• Funding for administrative support for a Racial Equity Commission was included in County Budget for 2021-22.
https://www.whatcomcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/51215/6403
• A request for proposals from qualified individuals for community outreach, research and proposal development
for a racial equity commission is currently posted with bids due 3/23/21
https://www.whatcomcounty.us/bids.aspx?bidlD=377
3/19/2021
3of12
HEALTH BOARD
Discussion Form
March 30, 2021
AGENDA ITEM #: COVID Impact Assessment
PRESENTER: Sterling Chick, PHAB Chair, Erika Lautenbach, WCHD Director
BOARD ACTION: Action Item
COVID Impact Assessment
® Discussion FYI - Only
A key role for health departments is to collect, assess and disseminate data to help create or inform existing
community alliances to improve health.
While there are many existing efforts, including the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), to address health
issues, there is a need to update data to include the specific impacts associated with COVID. Notably, social,
emotional, health, and economic impacts are of relevance and importance to establishing COVID recovery plans.
While data is a key component in prioritization, much of what is available in national and state surveys and data sets
precedes COVID. There is, however, a wealth of information, both quantitative and qualitative, available from our
community providers, partners, and businesses, with which to understand the impacts of COVID on Whatcom
County.
To that end, PHAB seeks to establish a process for a series of convenings with providers to gain insight, information,
and data on issues such as behavioral health, substance use, economic hardship/housing instability, abuse, and
other social and behavioral issues within our community. The convenings will also help us understand agency
capacity to ramp up to address these issues, and gaps in infrastructure, staffing, and funding. This work, coupled and
in collaboration with our economic development partners who are assessing the economic impacts of COVID, will
help create a COVID Impact Assessment.
This document will help guide policy, financial investments, and prioritization of workplan topics among participating
boards and commissions. It will also help refine or provide further information on the existing CHIP priorities of
kindergarten readiness, youth mental health, childcare, and affordable housing for families.
The PHAB will soon establish a workplan and timeline for completing this work, in partnership with the Health
Department and with support from internal and external professionals, facilitators, writers, and graphic designers.
The PHAB will keep the Health Board apprised of the progress and will provide a report of the impact assessment
results.
BOARD ROLE/ACTION REQUESTED
• Discuss as needed
Whatcom County
' ll HEALTH
Department
4of12
�GO� CQ
BOARD �2
1
QSNI NG�t
Tiiscussi
• f • n
March 30, 2021
AGENDA ITEM # : State Legislative Update
PRESENTER: Astrid Newell, Community Health Manager
BOARD ACTION: Action Item 0 Discussion FYI - Only
The 2021 Washington State Legislature is currently in regular session until April 25. As of March 19, there are
several bills that are still under consideration that may be of interest to the Health Board for action or awareness.
Public Health System
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased legislative interest in the state's public health system. Two bills that are
particularly relevant for local public health are:
• HB 1152 Concerning creation of comprehensive public health districts
httas:llaaa.lea.wa.aovlbillsummarv?BiIlNumber=1152&Initiative=false&Year=2021
o Governor Inslee proposed bill that would dismantle current local health structure and create
regionalized models. Creates a work group to develop and recommend to the Dept of Health
Secretary a public health system that provides foundational public health services. Proposes
changes to local health board structures, adding members with health expertise.
o Bill has undergone significant revisions with input from stakeholders including local public health.
Current striker bill removes many of the references to dismantling local public health structures and
includes development of four regional entities to support local public health work and promote
shared public health services across regions.
o Bill is a companion to several public health funding bills.
• HB 1340 Concerning creation of a statewide pandemic preparation and response task force
https://app.leg.wa.gov/bilisummarV?BiIlNumber=1340&Initiative=false&Year=2021
o This task force would review statewide response to COVID-19 and provide recommendations for
improving state pandemic preparation.
o Bill was not approved by committee cutoff, but bill sponsor is working to accomplish the intent of bill
via budget proviso.
Public Health Fund
Despite the essential nature of public health services in all communities, the public health system in WA State and
across the country has been chronically underfunded. During the past year, the lack of investment in public health
has been evidenced by challenges in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to ongoing legislative
support for pandemic response, several bills have been proposed in this current legislative session to provide
dedicated long-term funding for public health. The Health Board may choose to provide input to the state budget
process related to stable public health funding. One example of a bill that is currently under consideration is:
Whatcom County
HEALTH
Department
5of12
• SB 5149 Funding foundational public health services
https://app.leg.wa.gov/biIlsummary?BiIlNumber=5149&Initiative=false&Year=2021
o Governor Inslee proposed bill that would fund foundational public health services with a per
member per month "covered lives" assessment on health insurance carriers, Medicaid managed
care organizations and third -party administrators. The resulting fund would be dedicated to public
health with up to $100,000,000/year in fiscal year 2022, increasing each year to a maximum of
$200,000,000/year in fiscal year 2026 and beyond.
o Current Status as of 3/19: In Senate Ways and Means
Children and Families
Over the past several years, the Health Board has committed their support for children and families in Whatcom
County through the passage of resolutions, funding decisions, and adoption of the Child and Family Action Plan in
February 2020. Several bills currently under consideration would provide support for Health Board priorities focused
on young children and their families.
• SB 5237/HB 1213 Expanding accessible, affordable child care and early childhood development
programs https://app.leg.wa.gov/bilisummary?BiIlNumber=5237&Initiative=false&Year=2021
o Referred to as the "Fair Start for Kids Act" this legislation would establish a new account for child
care and early learning purposes and includes a non -exhaustive list of spending goals and
strategies. It will expand eligibility and decrease copayments in the Working Connections Childcare
Program (child care subsidies) and expand eligibility in the Early Childhood Education and
Assistance program. The bill would also provide increased rates, training, grants, supports and
services for child care and early learning providers. It would also increase the social safety net for
families of children from birth until age 3, as well as for their providers.
o As of 3/19, this bill has passed out of the Senate and is being considered in the House.
SB 5068 Improving health outcomes by extending coverage during the postpartum period
https:/Iapp.leg.wa.gov/bilisummarV?BiIlNumber=5068&Initiative=false&Year=2021
o This bill extends Medicaid/Apple Health coverage for new mothers to one year postpartum rather
than current 60 days. This bill is in response to concerns about high rates of maternal mortality,
particularly in communities of color, and other postpartum concerns experienced by mothers in WA
State including behavioral health challenges.
o As of 3/19, this bill was unanimously approved by the Senate 46-0, and is currently in the House.
Health Equity
In November 2020, the Health Board adopted a resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis, and committing
to take a variety of actions that promote racial equity. The State Legislature is considering several bills with a focus
on equity. One bill that could impact local public health is:
SB 5052 Concerning creation of health equity zones
https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BiIlNumber=5052&Year=2021
o Requires the State Dept of Health, subject to funding, to designate health equity zones statewide
and develop projects that meet the needs of each zone. Allows communities to self -identify as a
health equity zone and develop projects. Defines that health disparities must be documented or
identified by WA State Dept of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
o As of 3/19, the Second Substitute bill was approved by the Senate 30-17. Currently in the House
Appropriations Committee.
Whatcom County
HEALTH
Department
6of12
BOARD ROLE/ACTION REQUESTED
Health Board may choose to provide testimony or letters of support/opposition for bills or concepts under
consideration by the State Legislature.
ATTACHMENT(S)
• None
fi)vWhatcom County
HEALTH
Department
7of12
HEALTH BOARD
Discussion Form
March 30, 2019
AGENDA ITEM # : COVID-19 Vaccine Update
PRESENTER: Amy Hockenberry
BOARD ACTION: Action Item Discussion Q FYI - Only
The Whatcom County Health Department began planning for COVID-19 vaccines in the early fall of 2020, and the
first vaccines started to arrive in Whatcom County in mid -December. Since then, Whatcom County vaccine providers
have developed a strong vaccine delivery system and are prepared for when there is an increase and steady vaccine
supply. As of mid -March 2021, there are over 45 individual vaccine provider locations throughout the county, and
almost 50,000 Whatcom County residents have been able to receive at least one COVID-19 dose.
Weekly vaccine allocations to Whatcom County providers continue to fluctuate, making vaccine clinic planning a
challenge. However, the WA State Department of Health has indicated that vaccine supply will increase in the
coming months.
During this time, the Whatcom County Health Department has focused on working with medical and pharmacy
vaccine providers to build a coordinated and collaborative approach for vaccine administration. This has included the
Community Vaccination Center's launch, the deployment of our Mobile Vaccine Clinic Program, coordination with the
National Guard to host clinics, and conducting outreach to our most vulnerable populations.
The Health Department will provide an update on vaccine allocations, prioritization guidance and timelines, vaccine
planning efforts, program progress, and ongoing community collaborations to ensure equitable vaccine access for
our most vulnerable populations.
BOARD ROLE/ACTION REQUESTED
ATTACHMENT(S)
PowerPoint Presentation will be provided the day before the meeting, in order to present with the most updated information.
Whatcom County
' ll HEALTH
Department
8of12
COVID Vaccine Supply
CDC/Federal Supply
DOH
WA Dept of
operated
Health
mass vax
LTC -
sites
Pharmacy
Partnership
Enrolled
Retail Fed Qual
medical
Enrolled Tribal Pharmacy
Hlth Ctrs
providers
Pharmacies Clinics Program
Whatcom County Vaccine Providers
9of12
Demand remains higher than supply
Washington state Washington will receive from
providers requested the federal government
489,690 343,700
a 321,260 first doses a 173,020 first doses
a 168,430 second doses a 170,680 second doses
This forecast did not include the Johnson & Johnson vaccine
Whatcom County Residents Who
Whatcom County
N
Have Received First
Residents Who Are
Pfizer/Moderna Dose or J&J Dose
Fully Vaccinated
(Recaived Gott, Pfizer/Modema doses orJ&J dose)
ANN
cm
61,244 27.2%
34,198 15.2%
OA
o 3/is
a
For the Week of March 15, 2021
CDC Allocation to WaDOH 5,710
First Doses/J&J Doso�
+r �
Federal Retail ?harmaey Partnership 2,000
Advocated to Whatcom
O
•_
Federally Qualified Health Centers 0
County Providers
Long -Term Care Pharmacy Partnership (data not ovallobfe)
For the
U
Indian Heath Service (data not avoilo6le)
TOta
Week of
7,710
Q 61111111111111
For the Week of March 22, 202
Mar 15
"
CDCNlocation to WaDDH 3,470
Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership notyet available
For the Tptal
Federally Qualified Health Centers 0
Week of ((not final)
Long -Term Care Pharmacy Partnership(datonot ovailable)
Mar22 3,470
Indian Health Service (data notavoffable)
wbatcom County 19
i' HEALTH
Department
10 of 12
WASHINGTON'S COVID-19 VACCINE PHASES
Find out if it's your turn at Find YourPhaseWA.org
7B 7B
TIER 1 TIER 2
DECEMBER 2020 - PRESENT 2021
EST. MARCH 31
• High -risk health care
Alpeople 65 years or older
High -risk critical workers
• People 16 yea. or older with
workers in health care
Al!l people 50 years or eltler
who work in certain
2 or more co -morbidities
settings
In multigen rational
congregate settings:
or underlying conditions
• High -risk first responders
households (home where
Agriculture; fishing vessel
crews food
• All people 60 years and older
• Long-term care
individuals from2or more
processing;
grocery stores;
. People, staff and volunteers
facility residents
generations reside such as
a n elder and
mr rections; prisons,jaiEs
in certain congregate livin
gregae g
•All other workersin risk
in health care settings
Educators and stafffor
ordetendon centers;
ubuc transit; remainin g
settings correctional farllii[es;
groups homes for people with
pre-K through 12th grade
first responders
disabilities; settings where people
• Child care providers
People 16 years or older
experlencing homelessness llve
or access —1-1
who are t or
pregnan
hacs
High -risk critical workers In
g
the.a t highhat
puts them at high
certain congregate settings:
risk for severe
restaurants, food services,
COVID-19 illness.
construction and manufacturing
F,O�MUMrTt,
C U�,vz
L+Rrioo L,
Whatcom County
Agenda Bill Report
File Number: AB2021-196
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360)778-5010
File ID: AB2021-196 Version: 1 Status: Discussed
File Created: 03/22/2021 Entered by: JGay@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Health Department File Type: Discussion
Assigned to: Council as the Health Board Final Action: 03/30/2021
Agenda Date: 03/30/2021 Enactment M
Primary Contact Email: elautenb@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Discussion on COVID Impact Assessment from Public Health Advisory Board
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
See Attachment
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To:
03/30/2021 Council as the Health Board DISCUSSED
Attachments: Health Board Discussion Form COVID impact assessment
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 2/7/2024
HEALTH BOARD
Discussion Form
March 30, 2021
AGENDA ITEM #: COVID Impact Assessment
PRESENTER: Sterling Chick, PHAB Chair, Erika Lautenbach, WCHD Director
BOARD ACTION: Action Item
COVID Impact Assessment
® Discussion FYI - Only
A key role for health departments is to collect, assess and disseminate data to help create or inform existing
community alliances to improve health.
While there are many existing efforts, including the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), to address health
issues, there is a need to update data to include the specific impacts associated with COVID. Notably, social,
emotional, health, and economic impacts are of relevance and importance to establishing COVID recovery plans.
While data is a key component in prioritization, much of what is available in national and state surveys and data sets
precedes COVID. There is, however, a wealth of information, both quantitative and qualitative, available from our
community providers, partners, and businesses, with which to understand the impacts of COVID on Whatcom
County.
To that end, PHAB seeks to establish a process for a series of convenings with providers to gain insight, information,
and data on issues such as behavioral health, substance use, economic hardship/housing instability, abuse, and
other social and behavioral issues within our community. The convenings will also help us understand agency
capacity to ramp up to address these issues, and gaps in infrastructure, staffing, and funding. This work, coupled and
in collaboration with our economic development partners who are assessing the economic impacts of COVID, will
help create a COVID Impact Assessment.
This document will help guide policy, financial investments, and prioritization of workplan topics among participating
boards and commissions. It will also help refine or provide further information on the existing CHIP priorities of
kindergarten readiness, youth mental health, childcare, and affordable housing for families.
The PHAB will soon establish a workplan and timeline for completing this work, in partnership with the Health
Department and with support from internal and external professionals, facilitators, writers, and graphic designers.
The PHAB will keep the Health Board apprised of the progress and will provide a report of the impact assessment
results.
BOARD ROLE/ACTION REQUESTED
Discuss as needed
Whatcom County
' ll HEALTH
Department
Whatcom County
Agenda Bill Report
File Number: AB2021-197
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360)778-5010
File ID: AB2021-197 Version: 1 Status: Discussed
File Created: 03/22/2021 Entered by: JGay@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Health Department File Type: Discussion
Assigned to: Council as the Health Board Final Action: 03/30/2021
Agenda Date: 03/30/2021 Enactment M
Primary Contact Email: anewell@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Update on State Legislature from the Whatcom County Health Department
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
See Attachment
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To:
03/30/2021 Council as the Health Board DISCUSSED
Attachments: Health Board Discussion Form - StateLegislative Update
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 2/7/2024
�GO� CQ
BOARD �2
1
QSNI NG�t
TiscussioT • n
March 30, 2021
AGENDA ITEM # : State Legislative Update
PRESENTER: Astrid Newell, Community Health Manager
BOARD ACTION: Action Item 0 Discussion FYI - Only
The 2021 Washington State Legislature is currently in regular session until April 25. As of March 19, there are
several bills that are still under consideration that may be of interest to the Health Board for action or awareness.
Public Health System
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased legislative interest in the state's public health system. Two bills that are
particularly relevant for local public health are:
• HB 1152 Concerning creation of comprehensive public health districts
httas:llaaa.lea.wa.aovlbillsummarv?BiIlNumber=1152&Initiative=false&Year=2021
o Governor Inslee proposed bill that would dismantle current local health structure and create
regionalized models. Creates a work group to develop and recommend to the Dept of Health
Secretary a public health system that provides foundational public health services. Proposes
changes to local health board structures, adding members with health expertise.
o Bill has undergone significant revisions with input from stakeholders including local public health.
Current striker bill removes many of the references to dismantling local public health structures and
includes development of four regional entities to support local public health work and promote
shared public health services across regions.
o Bill is a companion to several public health funding bills.
• HB 1340 Concerning creation of a statewide pandemic preparation and response task force
https://app.leg.wa.gov/bilisummary?BiIlNumber=1340&Initiative=false&Year=2021
o This task force would review statewide response to COVID-19 and provide recommendations for
improving state pandemic preparation.
o Bill was not approved by committee cutoff, but bill sponsor is working to accomplish the intent of bill
via budget proviso.
Public Health Fund
Despite the essential nature of public health services in all communities, the public health system in WA State and
across the country has been chronically underfunded. During the past year, the lack of investment in public health
has been evidenced by challenges in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to ongoing legislative
support for pandemic response, several bills have been proposed in this current legislative session to provide
dedicated long-term funding for public health. The Health Board may choose to provide input to the state budget
process related to stable public health funding. One example of a bill that is currently under consideration is:
Whatcom County
��HEALTH
' Department
• SB 5149 Funding foundational public health services
https://app.leg.wa.gov/biIlsummary?BiIlNumber=5149&Initiative=false&Year=2021
o Governor Inslee proposed bill that would fund foundational public health services with a per
member per month "covered lives" assessment on health insurance carriers, Medicaid managed
care organizations and third -party administrators. The resulting fund would be dedicated to public
health with up to $100,000,000/year in fiscal year 2022, increasing each year to a maximum of
$200,000,000/year in fiscal year 2026 and beyond.
o Current Status as of 3/19: In Senate Ways and Means
Children and Families
Over the past several years, the Health Board has committed their support for children and families in Whatcom
County through the passage of resolutions, funding decisions, and adoption of the Child and Family Action Plan in
February 2020. Several bills currently under consideration would provide support for Health Board priorities focused
on young children and their families.
• SB 5237/HB 1213 Expanding accessible, affordable child care and early childhood development
programs https://app.leg.wa.gov/bilisummarv?BiIlNumber=5237&Initiative=false&Year=2021
o Referred to as the "Fair Start for Kids Act" this legislation would establish a new account for child
care and early learning purposes and includes a non -exhaustive list of spending goals and
strategies. It will expand eligibility and decrease copayments in the Working Connections Childcare
Program (child care subsidies) and expand eligibility in the Early Childhood Education and
Assistance program. The bill would also provide increased rates, training, grants, supports and
services for child care and early learning providers. It would also increase the social safety net for
families of children from birth until age 3, as well as for their providers.
o As of 3/19, this bill has passed out of the Senate and is being considered in the House.
SB 5068 Improving health outcomes by extending coverage during the postpartum period
https://app.leg.wa.gov/bilisummary?BiIlNumber=5068&Initiative=false&Year=2021
o This bill extends Medicaid/Apple Health coverage for new mothers to one year postpartum rather
than current 60 days. This bill is in response to concerns about high rates of maternal mortality,
particularly in communities of color, and other postpartum concerns experienced by mothers in WA
State including behavioral health challenges.
o As of 3/19, this bill was unanimously approved by the Senate 46-0, and is currently in the House.
Health Equity
In November 2020, the Health Board adopted a resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis, and committing
to take a variety of actions that promote racial equity. The State Legislature is considering several bills with a focus
on equity. One bill that could impact local public health is:
SB 5052 Concerning creation of health equity zones
https://app.leg.wa.gov/bilisummary?BiIlNumber=5052&Year=2021
o Requires the State Dept of Health, subject to funding, to designate health equity zones statewide
and develop projects that meet the needs of each zone. Allows communities to self -identify as a
health equity zone and develop projects. Defines that health disparities must be documented or
identified by WA State Dept of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
o As of 3/19, the Second Substitute bill was approved by the Senate 30-17. Currently in the House
Appropriations Committee.
Whatcom County
HEALTH
Department
BOARD ROLE/ACTION REQUESTED
Health Board may choose to provide testimony or letters of support/opposition for bills or concepts under
consideration by the State Legislature.
ATTACHMENT(S)
• None
Whatcom County
HEALTH
Department
Whatcom County
Agenda Bill Report
File Number: AB2021-198
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360)778-5010
File ID: AB2021-198 Version: 1 Status: Discussed
File Created: 03/22/2021 Entered by: JGay@co.whatcom.wa.us
Department: Health Department File Type: Discussion
Assigned to: Council as the Health Board Final Action: 03/30/2021
Agenda Date: 03/30/2021 Enactment M
Primary Contact Email: ahockenb@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
Update on COVID-19 Vaccines from Whatcom County Health Department
SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
See Attached
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE
Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To:
03/30/2021 Council as the Health Board PRESENTED AND
DISCUSSED
Attachments: Health Board Discussion Form - Vaccine Update, Presentation
Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 2/7/2024
HEALTH BOARD
Discussion Form
March 30, 2019
AGENDA ITEM # : COVID-19 Vaccine Update
PRESENTER: Amy Hockenberry
BOARD ACTION: Action Item Discussion Q FYI - Only
The Whatcom County Health Department began planning for COVID-19 vaccines in the early fall of 2020, and the
first vaccines started to arrive in Whatcom County in mid -December. Since then, Whatcom County vaccine providers
have developed a strong vaccine delivery system and are prepared for when there is an increase and steady vaccine
supply. As of mid -March 2021, there are over 45 individual vaccine provider locations throughout the county, and
almost 50,000 Whatcom County residents have been able to receive at least one COVID-19 dose.
Weekly vaccine allocations to Whatcom County providers continue to fluctuate, making vaccine clinic planning a
challenge. However, the WA State Department of Health has indicated that vaccine supply will increase in the
coming months.
During this time, the Whatcom County Health Department has focused on working with medical and pharmacy
vaccine providers to build a coordinated and collaborative approach for vaccine administration. This has included the
Community Vaccination Center's launch, the deployment of our Mobile Vaccine Clinic Program, coordination with the
National Guard to host clinics, and conducting outreach to our most vulnerable populations.
The Health Department will provide an update on vaccine allocations, prioritization guidance and timelines, vaccine
planning efforts, program progress, and ongoing community collaborations to ensure equitable vaccine access for
our most vulnerable populations.
BOARD ROLE/ACTION REQUESTED
ATTACHMENT(S)
PowerPoint Presentation will be provided the day before the meeting, in order to present with the most updated information.
Whatcom County
' ll HEALTH
Department
COVID Vaccine Supply
CDC/Federal Supply
DOH
WA Dept of
operated
Health
mass vax
LTC -
sites
Pharmacy
Partnership
Enrolled
Retail Fed Qual
medical
Enrolled Tribal Pharmacy
Hlth Ctrs
providers
Pharmacies Clinics Program
Whatcom County Vaccine Providers
Demand remains higher than supply
Washington state Washington will receive from
providers requested the federal government
489,690 343,700
a 321,260 first doses a 173,020 first doses
a 168,430 second doses a 170,680 second doses
This forecast did not include the Johnson & Johnson vaccine
Whatcom County Residents Who
Whatcom County
N
Have Received First
Residents Who Are
Pfizer/Moderna Dose or J&J Dose
Fully Vaccinated
(Recaived Gott, Pfizer/Modema doses orJ&J dose)
ANN
cm
61,244 27.2%
34,198 15.2%
OA
o 3/is
a
For the Week of March 15, 2021
CDC Allocation to WaDOH 5,710
First Doses/J&J Doso�
+-' �
Federal Retail ?harmaey Partnership 2,000
Advocated to Whatcom
O
•_
Federally Qualified Health Centers 0
County Providers
Long -Term Care Pharmacy Partnership (data not ovallobfe)
For the
U
Indian Heath Service (data not avoilo6le)
Tota
Week of
7,710
Q 61111111111111
For the Week of March 22, 202
Mar 15
4— "
CDCNlocation to WaDOH 3,470
cFederal
Retail Pharmacy Partnership notyet available
For the Tptal
oFederally
Qualified Health Centers 0
Week of ((not final)
Long -Term Care Pharmacy Partnership(datonot ovailable)
Mar22 3,470
Indian Health Service (data notavoffable)
wbatcom County 19
i' HEALTH
Department
1NASHINGTON'S COVID-19 VACCINE PHASES
Find out if it's your turn at Find YourPhaseWA.org
7B 7B
TIER 1 TIER 2
DECEMBER 2020 - PRESENT 2021
EST. MARCH 31
• High -risk health care
Alpeople 65 years or older
High -risk crltical workers
• People 16 yean or older with
workers in health care
Al!l people 50 years or eltler
who work in certain
2 or more co -morbidities
settings
In multigen rational
congregate settings:
or underlying conditions
• High -risk first responders
households (home where
Agriculture; fishing vessel
crews food
• All people 60 years and older
• Long-term care
individuals from2or more
processing;
grocery stores;
. People, staff and volunteers
re'
facilitydents
generations reside such as
an elder and a grandchild)
corrections; IS
in certain congregate living
• All other workersin risk
in health care settings
Educators and stafffor
orde[entioo entersa�
uhkc transit; remainln g
settings: correctional facilities;
groups homes for people with
pre-K through 12th grade
first responders
disabilities; settings where people
• Child care providers
People 16 years or older
eapedencing homelessness live
or access services
ho are pregnant or
have a disability that
•High -risk critical workers in
puts them at high
certain congregate settings:
risk for severe
restaurants food services,
COVID-19 illness.
construction and manufacturing
F,O�MUMrT,
C U�,vz
L+Rrioo L,
Questions