BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Whatcom County’s Board of Health has passed a resolution calling racism a public health crisis.
The county joined other cities and counties across the state and nation with the commitment to take steps believed to advance racial equality.
Barry Buchanan, Chair of the Whatcom County Council and Health Board, said the data clearly shows discrepancies in health outcomes for diverse communities, adding that the resolution helps acknowledge those disparities and takes action to correct these disparities.
The resolution also includes a commitment to collect data and monitor progress toward stated goals.
Implementation of the resolution will, in part, fall upon the Whatcom County Administration.