News Release SBOH 07-013

For immediate release: November 26, 2007

Contact: Heather Boe, State Board of Health 360-236-4104

Council discusses progress report to Legislature
Wednesday, November 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Comfort Inn, 1620 74^th Avenue SW, Tumwater

The Governor’s Interagency Council on Health Disparities will review and comment on the working draft of its first progress report.  The Council must create an action plan for eliminating health disparities and provide the Governor and the Legislature with a progress report by January 15, 2008.

The Council will also hear briefings on the Office of Minority Health State Partnership Grant; multicultural health education efforts at community and technical colleges; and Unnatural Causes, a documentary series and public impact campaign aimed at raising awareness of the social conditions that lead to health inequities.

The term “health disparities” describes the higher rates of disease, disability and death among certain groups when compared to the general population. Serious disparities among racial and ethnic groups in Washington have been well documented.

The council meets Wednesday, November 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information is available on the Health Disparities Council Web site (www.sboh.wa.gov/hdcouncil) or by calling the state Board of Health office, 360-236-4104.

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The Board’s mission is to provide statewide leadership in advancing policies that protect and improve the public’s health. It does this by reviewing and monitoring the health status of all people in Washington; analyzing policies, providing guidance, and developing rules; promoting system partnerships; and encouraging public engagement in the public health system. For more information, visit the Board of Health Web site (www.sboh.wa.gov/).