Health and Equity in All Policies- Tacoma, WA

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Health and Equity in All Policies

Rationale:  

Like many communities in America, Tacoma faces a disparity in health outcomes based on race and income, among other factors.        

Project Summary : 

In 2016, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department’s Board of Health passed a Health in All Policies resolution directing the agency to consider health in all their policies. Agency staff now use a health lens analysis tool for all actions of the Board of Health and Health Department.   Later, in December 2016, the City of Tacoma considered and adopted a Health and Equity in All Policies resolution, becoming the first city in Pierce County to do so. The resolution directs the City to consider health and equity in all their policies and decisions. As a result, health equity has been included as an aspect of the strategic plan, Tacoma 2025, and many other city functions and activities.       

The Health and Equity in All Policies resolution led to the creation of a Health and Equity Policy Analysis Tool.  The tool creates consistent policy processes and highlights key components of equitable policymaking. For example, the analysis tool documents affected groups of people who have and have not been consulted. The tool also encourages policymakers and agency members to consult with affected communities prior to adopting new policies or programs. The tool encourages managers to examine the social, economic, and environmental costs and benefits of each action, helping to ensure equitable conditions for all populations.    

As the first municipality in Pierce County to adopt such a policy, the City of Tacoma’s groundbreaking Health and Equity in All Policies resolution now sets the bar for what the future of health can look like in Pierce County. With this resolution, former Board of Health member Campbell left a legacy of leadership to improve health for Tacomans.      

Engagement Strategies:

The Health and Equity in All Policies resolution led to the creation of a Health and Equity Policy Analysis Tool.  The tool creates consistent policy process and highlights key components of equitable policymaking. For example, the analysis tool documents affected groups of people who have and have not been consulted. The tool also encourages policymakers and agency members to consult with affected communities prior to adopting new policies or programs. The tool encourages managers to examine the social, economic, and environmental costs and benefits of each action, helping to ensure equitable conditions for all populations.  By setting the expectation that engagement is part of each decision, this tool is helping to bring health equity into all decisions AND build a culture of inclusive engagement.     

Additional Resources:
Tacoma, WA– 2018 AAC Finalist: Presentation
Local Contact:
Jacques Colon
Tacoma Pierce County Health Department
(253) 370-5687
JColon@tpchd.org