 Today, the Snohomish County Council unanimously approved a motion to integrate the Snohomish Health District and Snohomish County. This decision was made to strengthen public health in Snohomish County and ensure public health remains a central focus of our region.
“I applaud the Snohomish County Council and the Board of Health for their efforts to strengthen public and environmental health,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “I am personally committed to considering an expansion of direct services, including improving access to vaccinations, mental health care, and other vital services. We will partner with the Board of Health, County Council, and other stakeholders to continue improving public and environmental health.”
Discussions to integrate the two entities have been taking place for a number of years, including the creation of the Ruckelshaus and Gossett reports in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Discussions with key stakeholders accelerated in December 2021 and included presentations to the Snohomish Health District staff, the Board of Health, and the Snohomish County Council in April and May of 2022. On May 31, 2022, the Snohomish Health District Board of Health voted unanimously on a resolution to support integration of the Health District and the County.
“Our priority is to strengthen public and environmental health in Snohomish County,” said Snohomish County Council Chair and Board of Health Member Megan Dunn. “As Snohomish County grows, we must adapt to ensure we will be able to meet the needs of our residents. Today’s action ensures we are prepared for the future public health needs of our county.”
“While the COVID-19 pandemic is not completely over just yet, now is the time to start transitioning to prepare for whatever may be coming next,” said Snohomish County Council Vice Chair and Board of Health Member Jared Mead. “A unified public health effort will ensure we are being as efficient as possible and using every opportunity to leverage county and public health assets for the benefit of all residents.”
“Today’s action is another step towards providing more robust public health services to our residents,” said Snohomish County Councilmember and Board of Health Chair Stephanie Wright. “We will find every opportunity available to us to strengthen public health, working to reestablish and expand clinical services, while addressing today’s threats and preparing for those that may be coming tomorrow.”
“The Snohomish Health District and Snohomish County have always worked together closely, and today’s decision will ensure we are being as efficient as possible with resources,” said Snohomish County Councilmember and Board of Health Member Nate Nehring. “We want to ensure that Snohomish County’s residents have a dynamic and effective public health department.”
“This is another step in Snohomish County’s efforts to ensure we are making decisions today that will serve our growing community in the long term,” said Snohomish County Councilmember and Board of Health Member Sam Low. “We are committed to looking out for both our rural and urban communities. We will continue to collaborate with our cities and towns as they work to solve pressing public health issues.”
After today’s vote, the Snohomish County Executive will inform the Board of Health that Snohomish County will be withdrawing from the Health District on December 31, 2022. On January 1, 2023, the new county health department will begin to function. After today, the administrative integration will take place, making all Snohomish Health District staff employees of the new county health department on January 1, 2023 and ensuring finances, administration, and other technical details have been aligned.
As the Snohomish Health District transitions to a county department, the County Executive and Council have committed to working collaboratively and transparently. They will be engaging our community partners to ensure a successful integration with input from Snohomish Health District employees, the Board of Health, advisory committees, Tribes, cities, towns, and other public health stakeholders.
 Calling all residents and businesses in Gold Bar, Index, Lake Stevens, Monroe, Snohomish, Sultan, and everyone in between!
In 2021, the federal government passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) which provides direct financial assistance to local governments to help residents and small businesses recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Snohomish County is receiving $160 million in ARPA dollars, and they need your help to meet the pandemic recovery needs of our families, workers, and small businesses.
The county is hosting a District 5 Recovery Roadshow event Thursday, June 9, at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe where you can provide feedback on your recovery needs. This event is free and open to the public, and the county is providing activities for kids as well as free dinner and dessert!
Date & Time: Thursday, June 9; doors open at 6 p.m., event ends at 7:30 p.m.
Location: 4H Building #501, Evergreen State Fair Park, 14405 179th Ave SE, Monroe WA 98272
Cities: Gold Bar, Index, Lake Stevens, Monroe, Snohomish, and Sultan
Free Dinner: Food trucks from Tacos El Tule Oaxaca and Bliss Small Batch Creamery will be on-site throughout the event.
Free Kids Activities: Imagine Children’s Museum will be providing free activities for elementary school-age kids on-site throughout the event.
More Info & RSVP: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/6051/District-5-Recovery-Roadshow
If you’re unable to attend the June 9 event in-person, you can email the Office of Recovery & Resilience directly at SnohomishCounty.Recovers@snoco.org to tell them your top pandemic recovery priorities.
Come to the Evergreen State Fairgrounds on June 9 and let us know how the pandemic has impacted you and your community, and how Snohomish County can help you recover and thrive!
Has your business or nonprofit been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? Across the local, state, and federal levels, pandemic relief resources remain available to help you and your organization stay afloat during this uncertain time.
The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Small Business Flex Fund offers loans of up to $150,000 for state small businesses and nonprofits. The funds can be used flexibly, for things like rent, payroll, marketing, building improvements, etc. The state and federal government offer several other initiatives to support businesses, you can find a full list here: https://commercegrants.com/covid-19-resources/.
Here are some additional resources that are available to support your business:
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Access to Capital: Small Business Administration (sba.gov)
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Finding & Training Talent: WorkSourceWA
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Growing Your Business: Advising, Mentorship, & Research: Business Advising in Snohomish County (economicalliancesc.org)
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Information & Best Practices: Economic Alliance Snohomish County (economicalliancesc.org)
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Starting Your Business: Access to Lenders: Greater Seattle | SCORE
The Snohomish Health District has recently created a video that helps employers understand what to do if they receive notice of a positive COVID-19 case from an employee. You can watch that video here: https://www.snohd.org/609/COVID-Info-for-Employers/.
If you have questions or ideas on supports for business and worker recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office of Recovery & Resilience at snohomishcounty.recovers@snoco.org.
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