News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 21, 1998
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke cites outstanding work by citizens to protect public health

OLYMPIA - Citizens all over Washington are bringing to life the goals of the 1998 Washington State Public Health Report released today by Gov. Gary Locke.

"Washington State strives to be a leader in protecting and promoting the health of its citizens," said Locke. He pointed out the efforts of eight people in communities all over the state who have worked to improve public health as outlined in the state's Priority Health Goals. Those goals are the basis for the report.

"These are citizens of which the people of Washington can be proud. They deserve our thanks for the fine example they set for all of us," said Locke. He said he will honor the efforts of these individuals over the coming months as he visits their home towns.

The report, which is prepared by the Washington State Board of Health, defines the challenges and the work needed to meet the state's Priority Health Goals and Action Strategies for the next two years. The eight goals outlined in the State Public Health Report are:


* Reduce preventable infant morbidity and mortality.
* Reduce the incidence and preventable consequences of infectious diseases.
* Control or reduce hazards in the environment in which we live, work, and play.
* Reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.
* Reduce misuse of alcohol and other drugs.
* Reduce the incidence and impact of violence and preventable injuries.
* Assure access to population-based and personal physical and mental health services, including health education, preventive services, and illness care.
* Reduce the incidence and preventable consequences of chronic disease.

The State Public Health Report is used by state agencies to prepare budgets and executive request legislation. It is based on data collected from thousands of citizens, community leaders, local health jurisdictions, medical and public health professionals, and private and voluntary agencies.

The success stories of the eight people cited for outstanding work promoting the health and welfare of citizens in their communities are highlighted in the report. They are:

Jocie DeVries (Snohomish County), Executive Director, FAS Family Resource Institute, for her work to increase awareness about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Joyce Claypool (Spokane), for providing HIV/AIDS education to thousands of children and adults.

The Denis Family (Kitsap County), for efforts to clean up Sinclair Inlet.

Valerie Bousquet, Pharm. D. (Vancouver), for leadership in advocating pharmacies and pharmacists play a major role in combating tobacco use.

Terry Weber (Pierce County), for showing by example that rehabilitation from lifelong addiction to drugs and alcohol can be successful and lead to healthy, purposeful living.

Theresa Cheng, D.D.S. (Issaquah), for helping abused women escape the cycle of violence.

Cindy Lowe (Sequim), for efforts to ensure delivery of quality public health services and health education to members of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe.

Linda McLean (Kennewick), for educating children about the importance of fitness and a healthful lifestyle.

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