Dedicated to ensuring equitable health access for all residents.
Why choose us
Here’s why we’re your perfect choice for quality and innovation
Advocating for Health Equity
Promoting Health Access
We champion health policies that ensure equitable access for every Washington resident.
Our efforts are aimed at reducing health disparities across diverse populations.
Building Community Partnerships
We collaborate with organizations to enhance health outcomes and foster wellness.
Empowering Individuals for Wellness
Our mission is to equip individuals with resources to achieve their health goals.
Washington State Public Health Association History
2026
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Since the creation of our state’s department of health in 1921, we have been working to improve the public’s health.
2025
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2024
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2023
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2022
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2021
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2020
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2019
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2017
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2018
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2015
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2014
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2013
WSPHA hosts 20th annual conference. Endorses Initiative 594, an initiative to the Legislature to require universal background checks for firearms sales. The Legislature did not vote on I 594. Therefore, it will go to voters on the November ballot.
2012
Membership approves two resolutions: Supporting Public Health Funding and Tobacco Pre-emption. WSPHA endorses Referendum 74, supporting marriage equality
2011
WSPHA hosts first Public Health Legislative Education Day in Olympia. Over 100 public health professionals and supporters hold meetings with legislators and staff to discuss the value of public health in their communities.
2010
WSPHA begins using webinars to offer trainings. First webinars topics include health care reform, legislative session overview and community food resources. During legislative session, WSPHA helps win increased funding for maternity support services in 2011 budget and tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.
2007
Legislature passes Blue Ribbon Commission Bill, which aims to increase access to health care.
2006
Joint Select Committee on Public Health Finances report estimates $315 million unmet funding gap for Washington’s public health system (LHJ spending would have to increase two fold to be considered adequate)
2003
WSPHA selects advocacy as one of its core objectives.
2002
WSPHA forms Public Health Advocacy Coalition to focus on the issue of permanent, stable funding for the state’s public health system. Membership approves three resolutions: Public Health Funding for a Safer, Healthier Washington; Preventing Human and Environmental Mercury Exposure and Harm; and Improving Student Diets: Dietary messages and levels of physical activity.
2001
Membership passes four resolutions: Affirming Folic Acid in Diets of Women of Childbearing Age, Reducing Burden of Arthritis, Support for Tobacco Tax and Averting Public Health Crisis Caused by Drug Shortages.
2000
WSPHA establishes core values: health, equity, diversity, empowerment, integrity, dignity and knowledge and its intention to be the leading advocacy organization for public health. Membership passes three resolutions: Reducing Gun Violence, Endorsing Initiative 245 and Establishing Statewide Public Health Standards.