On July 14, 2020, the Board of Health adopted Resolution 20-17: Supporting Equity and Inclusion in Public Health Within Snohomish County (Exhibit A). Actions of the resolution focused on community engagement, policy, responsible budgeting, equity-focused staffing, and workforce development. No less than annual reports were requested.
Within community engagement, the resolution called for, “the establishment, maintenance, and resourcing of community-led communities of color advisory board, comprised primarily of county residents and community partners with lived experience of racial and or ethnic inequity.”
On August 10, 2020, the first convening of the Community Equity Advisory Board (CEAB) took place. Under the direction of the CEAB and the CEAB Steering Committee, bylaws have been drafted and approved by the CEAB for Board of Health approval (Exhibit B). Bylaws drafted are based on the 2019 Board of Health approved Public Health Advisory Council bylaws.
Proposed bylaws create three strategies for how the CEAB intends to fulfil its purpose as established in Resolution 20-17. These include leading and promoting a culture of inclusion, advising the Board of Health on recommended actions to ensure equitable access to public health resources, and implementing or advocating for Board of Health-approved actions to address racial equity and health disparities in all forms and at all levels.
Though the CEAB is established by resolution, it is unclear the scope of Board of Health involvement in approving bylaws.