In 2009 the Public Health Advisory Council (PHAC) was established by Resolution 09-20 of the Board of Health. The purpose of the PHAC is to convene community partners to provide periodic advice to the Health District and to the Board of Health and to make recommendations relevant to improving the health of the residents of Snohomish County. Members are appointed to the Council for staggered three-year terms and serve without compensation. Members are appointed by the Chair of the Board and confirmed by the full Board of Health.
Board actions in 2012 (Resolution 12-16) and 2016 (approved recommendations in Staff Report 16-033) expanded membership to 25 sectors. Established sectors are:
- Business
- Community Health Centers
- Early Childhood Development
- Education
- Emergency Management Services
- Emergency Medical Services
- Environmental Advocacy
- Food Industry
- Higher Education
- Hospitals
- Human Services Organizations
- Labor
- Law Enforcement
- Medical Professionals
- Parks and Recreation
- Philanthropy
- Planning
- Senior Services
- Septic Systems Specialist
- Transportation
- Tribes
- Underrepresented Community Sectors
- United Way
- Water Utilities
- Youth
Since its inception, the PHAC has operated without bylaws. Under direction of the PHAC and PHAC leadership, bylaws have been drafted and approved by the Council for Board consideration (Exhibit A). Proposed bylaws are based on a 2017 survey of members, PHAC governance work group meetings, and conversation with Board Chair Stephanie Wright.
Proposed bylaws create strategies and actions for how the PHAC intends to fulfill its stated purpose as established by Resolution 09-20. The PHAC strives to serve the Board as an independent voice representing Snohomish County sectors.
Proposed bylaws specify a three-year, three-officer leadership team that includes the Chair, Chair-Elect, and Past Chair.
One proposed action is for the PHAC to serve as an assurance body to the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) implementation phase. To best carry out that function, the PHAC proposes to expand its membership to include one representative specific to each CHIP, up to three CHIP plans. These representatives will be appointed by the Chair of the Board and confirmed by the full Board of Health and will serve without compensation. Their terms will be limited to one three-year term in alignment with the Community Health Assessment and CHIP cycle.