WSPHA Resolutions

WSPHA adopts policy resolutions as statement of our stance on issues affecting the public’s health. Proposed resolutions include background information and references on the policy issue and language summarizing the position that members would like WSPHA to take. Resolutions have a specific focus and may contain a defined call to action. Policy resolutions adopted by our membership serve as a basis for establishing our advocacy priorities and actions. All policy resolutions are considered and approved by a vote of our membership, at our annual membership meeting.

Prior to presenting resolutions to our membership for a vote, the Board will evaluate the proposal through the lens of its alignment with the strategic plan and legislative priorities of the organization. The Board uses resolutions to formulate letters and testimony outlining the organization’s position in response to proposed legislation and in educating the public on issues affection public health and safety. Please note, only active members of WSPHA may submit a resolution for consideration of our membership; non-members can co-author a resolution, but not be the submitting author.

Resolution Structure

Proposed resolutions include background information and references on the policy issue and language summarizing the position that members would like WSPHA to take. Resolutions have a specific focus and may have a defined call to action.

WHEREAS Statements: Resolutions consist of a series of “whereas” statements defining the problem and providing supporting information, including references leading to the policy position or statement being recommended. The “whereas” statements should be clear and easy to understand, and should contain key information that is critical to making a decision on the resolution. This content is important since some WSPHA members, who will be voting on the resolution, may not be familiar with the topic.

BE IT RESOLVED Statements: The resolution concludes with a list of individuals and/or organizations that support the proposed resolution. WSPHA members must fully understand the breadth and nature of support for the proposed resolution.

LIST OF SUPPORTERS: The resolution concludes with a list of individuals and/or organizations that support the proposed resolution. WSPHA members must fully understand the breadth and nature of support for the proposed resolution.

The Resolution Template is available here. (PDF)

Resolutions by Topic

Access to Care

Breast Cancer Screening (1998)
Endorse Initiative 245 (2000)
Family Planning and Public Health (2006)
Unintended Pregnancy (1998)
Reproductive Rights (2022)

Opposing I-2124: Rendering Long-term Care Insurance Optional (2024)

Children's Health

Children's Health Insurance Program (1998)
Coordinated School Health (2007)
Supporting Actions to Reduce Exposures to Lead to Protect Children’s Health, Learning and Futures (2008)
Opposing I-2109: Repealing the Capital Gains Tax (2024)

Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Access to Sterile Syringes Needles (1999)
Controlling Hepatitis A (1998)
Control & Prevention of Hepatitis C (2005)
Fluoridation of Public Water Systems (1999)
Hepatitis A Vaccination (1999)
Opposing Initiative 841 (2003)
Regarding Obesity and the Wellbeing of Washington Citizens (2005)
Reducing the Burden of Arthritis (2001)
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (1999)

Environmental Health

Addressing Public Health Impacts of Climate Change (2008)
Addressing the Public Health Implications of the Built Environment (2006)
Encouraging Alternatives to PVC/DEHP Products in Health Care (2005)
Endorsing Precautionary Principle as Public Health Tool for Preventing Harm from PBTs (2006)
Healthy Indoor Air for All Washingtonians (2005)
Preventing Human and Environmental Mercury Exposure and Harm (2002)
Protecting Public Health by Phasing Out Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) – Toxic Flame Retardants (2004)
Re: Preventing Nuclear Expansion in Washington State (2007)
Re: State and Federal Action to Implement Comprehensive Chemicals Policy (2007)
Reducing Harm from Wood Smoke (2003)

Supporting Safer Chemicals (2006)

Opposing I-2117: Repealing the Climate Commitment Act (2024)

Food & Nutrition

Addressing Public Health Impacts of Trans Fats in Food Supply (2007)
Affirming Importance of Folic Acid in Diets of Women of Childbearing Age (2001)
Encouraging Sustainable Food Practices in Health Care to Improve Public Health (2008)
Re: Improving Student Diets (2002)

Health Equity

Racism as a Public Health Crisis (2022)

Health Insurance

Health Care 2000 Voter Initiative (1999)
Opposing Premera’s Conversion Proposal (2003)

Public Health Funding, Regulation, & Infrastructure

Averting Public Health Crisis Caused by Drug Shortages (2001)
Improving the Public’s Health by Prioritizing Education as a Social Determinant of Health and Insuring Adequate Funding of Public Education (2004)
Opposing Initiative 695 (1999)
State Regulation and Control Psychoactive Substances (2004)
Statewide Public Health Standards (2000)
Supporting Repeal of Certain Provisions of the Uniform Individual Accident and Sickness Policy Provision Law (2003)

Tobacco Control

Tobacco Advertising (1998)
Prohibiting Smoking in all Workplaces (2004)
Supporting Initiative 773-Tobacco Tax (2001)

Safety and Accident Prevention

Declaring Falls of Older Adults to Be A Serious Threat To Health and Well Being of Washington Citizens (2007)
Life Jackets, Children, Boats (1998)
Supporting a Medicine Return Program (2008)

Violence Prevention

Reducing Gun Violence (2000)
Reduce Incidence of Violence (1997)

P.O. Box #88174
Seattle, Washington 98138

Phone: (206)454-9453

Email: [email protected]

One of the most long-standing affiliates of the American Public Health Association (APHA), we have been working to protect and promote the public’s health in Washington State since 1935.

The Washington State Public Health Association is an affiliated association of the American Public Health Association (APHA). We have collaborated with APHA to grow stronger as organizations, to share expertise, influence, and resources, and to advocate for common priorities at the local, state and federal levels.

APHA is the national voice of public health and champions the health of all people and all communities. It is the only organization that combines a nearly 150-year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.