Dear Neighbors,

I hope that through my regular enewsletters, you will have a better understanding of your King County government. It is important to me to hear from you as well, and I encourage you to contact my office (206.296.1005) with any questions or concerns relating to King County.

In this enewsletter, I will provide an update on a number of important initiatives such as overweight prevention, lake and stream preservation, and animal protection. I hope the following articles will provide a snapshot of the work being done to promote healthy families and a healthy environment. Together, we can improve the health and well being of the environment and people in King County.

Sincerely,

Julia Patterson
King County Councilmember - District 5

Healthy Lakes and Streams

If you live near a lake in South King County, you may have received my newsletter (pdf 676KB) on lake stewardship, natural lawn care, and noxious weed prevention.

King County is committed to preserving the health and beauty of our natural surroundings. For instance, did you know that King County offers grants for lake stewardship, noxious weed removal, and native plant purchases? Please visit the links below to learn how you (and the environment!) can benefit from countywide programs.

Learn More:
What King County is doing for salmon: http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/esa/king_county.htm
Tips for residents near streams or lakes: http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/esa/streamside.htm
Natural yard care tips: http://www.govlink.org/hazwaste/house/yard/

Click Photo to enlarge

Julia recognizes the Highline Community College Men's Basketball Team.

Highline Community College Basketball Team Recognition

At the May 22nd County Council meeting, I formally recognized the Highline Community College men's basketball team for winning the Northwest Association of Community Colleges Tournament. The Thunderbirds beat two number one seeds on the way to the championship, then prevailed against Lower Columbia College, also a number one seed and the team favored to win the tournament.

I am proud of the team's rich diversity, their outstanding teamwork, and their excellence not just on the basketball court, but in the classroom as well.

Health Disparities

The King County Board of Health has recently made the elimination of health disparities one of its top priorities. Health disparities, or inequities, are differences in health status among ethnic and socio-economic groups. For instance, African American males have a life expectancy that is 8 years less than white males, due to higher prevalence of chronic, transmissible, and preventable (with treatment or vaccine) diseases. Knowing that these inequalities exist prompted the Board of Health to take action.

One of the first steps I took, as Board of Health Chair, was to write a letter to the State of Washington, requesting that they require all hospitals to collect data on the race/ethnicity of patients in their care. This data will allow Public Health to better gauge who is struggling with what disease, and how to reach out to specific populations. The State has accepted this recommendation and will begin to collect this information. This will help local health departments statewide.

View the power point slide show on health disparities.

Julia Meets with Rita Morgan of Pasado's Safe Haven.

Julia and Council Chair Larry Phillips with Chase, Phillips' puppy, after the Council unanimously approved a motion placing greater emphasis on investigating animal cruelty cases.

Response to Recent Animal Cruelty

In response to the animal cruelty case in Federal Way involving the pit bull puppy Mooie, I met with leaders of Pasado's Safe Haven, an animal cruelty watchdog organization. Together, we worked to develop legislation that will ensure a case like Mooie’s will be better handled in the future.

Along with Councilmember Larry Phillips, I introduced legislation requesting a comprehensive report from King County Animal Control to improve the handling of animal cruelty cases and Animal Control's coordination with law enforcement. From our off leash dog park at Marymoor Park to pet licensing, King County provides important services to pet owners. We must also ensure we are vigorously enforcing animal cruelty laws to protect the safety and welfare of our beloved pets.

To read more about this legislation, click here: http://www.metrokc.gov/mkcc/news/2006/0506
/LP_JP_Pet_Cruel.htm

To visit Pasado's Safe Haven’s website, click here: http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/CRUELTY%20NEWS/
MOOIE/Puppy_Acid.htm

Overweight Prevention Forum

Last month, I spoke at the 4th annual Overweight Prevention Forum held at Highline Community College. Two-thirds of adults in King County are overweight and the percentage of children who are overweight has tripled in the last two decades. The growing numbers of obese adults and children result in increasing rates of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, which pose additional concerns for our health providers and public health officials.

To address obesity and its many implications, King County Public Health has held twice-yearly forums. Members of the forums are experts in the field of nutrition, healthy living and the effect sidewalks and trails have on exercise. Together, the participants created a 10-point plan to reduce obesity and establish partnerships with businesses, schools, government, developers, community groups and individuals.

To view the 10-point plan, click on the link: http://www.metrokc.gov/HEALTH/overweight/10pointplan.htm

To view and print a walking map, click on the link: http://www.metrokc.gov/health/exercise/maps.htm

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