HomeMy WebLinkAbout013B-18JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
In the Matter of Recognizing that Changing }
Our Health Means Ensuring Conditions where }
Everyone has the Opportunity to be Healthy, } RESOLUTION NO. 1313-18
the BOH calls on all sectors and individuals in }
Jefferson County to Recognize and Commit }
to Measures Designed to Improve the Public's }
Health
WHEREAS, for the first time since 1993, U.S. life expectancy has declined, while other countries
are still improving and it's up to all of us to start moving in the right direction; and
WHEREAS, our health is affected by more than just health care; and
WHEREAS, moving toward prevention can achieve health for all; and
WHEREAS, health must be a priority in designing our communities, from healthy housing to
parks and playgrounds; where walking and biking coexist with cars and public transportation;
where everyone can safely live, work, learn and play due to reduced levels of violence and
crime; and where farmers' markets and local businesses that value health are supported; and
WHEREAS, all young people graduate from high school and there is widespread understanding
that education is the leading indicator of good health —giving people access to better jobs,
incomes and neighborhoods — and calls for policies that start with early school success and lead
to higher on-time high school graduation rates; and
WHEREAS, Poverty and poor health go hand-in-hand and it is important to address and fix
income inequality and the unhealthy stresses it puts on adult and children and to support
policies that ensure a living wage and remove barriers that make it harder to advance to higher
incomes; and
WHEREAS, we believe that everyone has the right to good health and the importance of
removing barriers so everyone has the same opportunity to improve their lives and their health;
and
WHEREAS, our food system should provide affordable food with nutritious ingredients, free
from harmful contaminants and we call for policies that help eliminate food deserts and bring
health food to all neighborhoods and schools; and
WHEREAS, what happens upstream in our environments affects our health downstream and we
recognize the need for policies that protect the air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors, and
the clean water we drink; policies that protect our health from natural and manmade weather
events and disasters are just as important and it is important to support efforts that help
communities prepare for and adapt to the health impacts of climate change; and
WHEREAS, healthy choices are related to making the healthy choice the easy choice through
communities that make the healthy choice the easy choice for everyone; and
WHEREAS, efforts in health reform must provide quality health care for everyone through such
things as options for expanded access to quality care at the federal, state and local levels and
shifting the main focus of health system from one that treats illness to one that equally
emphasizes prevention; and
WHEREAS, the major strides and improved health and longevity in the 20th Century were
achieved through public health measures such as immunizations, improved sanitation,
development of antibiotics, seatbelts, helmet use, reduced tobacco use, and many other
examples;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Jefferson County Board of Health proclaims the week of
April 2 — 8, 2018 as Public Health Week; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Jefferson County Board of Health recognizes that strong,
consistent funding levels are necessary for the public health system to respond to everyday
health threats and unexpected health emergencies and supports increased funding for federal,
state and local public health agencies; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Jefferson County Board of Health recognizes that public health
prevention is everyone's job and calls on the entire community to address social,
environmental and behavioral factors that impact our health by working together such as in the
following examples:
• EDUCATION SYSTEM:
o Promote school-based health centers
o Support free and reduced -price meal programs
• COMMUNITY PLANNING:
o Create safe, walkable, rollable, drivable, accessible communities
o Promote safe, affordable mixed-use housing with access to transportation and
services
• FAITH -BASED ORGANIZATIONS:
o Educate and offer opportunities for healthy choices and behaviors within
congregations
o Provide disaster relief, cooling stations and alternative emergency shelter
services
BUSINESS COMMUNITY:
o Promote a living wage
o Support employee wellness policies and support increased availability of and
access to affordable housing, nutritious food, and physical activity
• JUSTICE SYSTEM:
o Encourage mental health sensitivity and support community policing strategies
o Offer violence prevention efforts and common-sense gun safety regulations
APPROVED, ADOPTED AND PASSED, THIS 151h day of March, 2018.
JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
John Austin, Chair
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Jil uhler, Meer
David S Ivan, M mber
Kate Dean, Member
Ariel Speser, Vice -Chair
Kathleen Kler, Member
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*eila esterman, Member