Drafter
Clerk 01/22/2021
title
A RESOLUTION calling for prompt, independent review of allegations about institutional racism at Seattle Children’s Hospital.
body
WHEREAS, on June 18, 2020, the King County Board of Health adopted Resolution 20-08 declaring racism a public health crisis and committing to work to advance a public health approach in addressing institutional and systemic racism, and
WHEREAS, Resolution 20-08 committed to being responsive to communities and residents impacted by racism, especially Black and Indigenous communities, and
WHEREAS, Seattle Children's Hospital is an integral and critical component of collaborative and coordinated endeavors to identify and address the highest-priority community and public health needs in King County, as evidenced by the King County 2018/2019 Community Health Needs Assessment, Seattle Children's Hospital's 2019 Community Health Assessment and Seattle Children's Hospital's 2020-2022 Community Health Implementation Strategies, and
WHEREAS, the King County Board of Health recognizes Dr. Ben Danielson as a knowledgeable, objective and credible authority on community and public health, health inequities and the challenges posed by poverty, race and racism, and
WHEREAS, following extensive community outcry, Seattle Children's Hospital announced on January 15, 2021, the convening of an independent, external assessment of Seattle Children's race, equity, inclusion and diversity policies and practices, and
WHEREAS, the King County Board of Health is concerned about allegations made by Dr. Danielson and others of racism at Seattle Children's Hospital;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Health of King County:
The King County Board of Health endorses the prompt investigation of allegations of racism at Seattle Children's Hospital, convened and overseen by an independent and external entity, and including representation of external stakeholders. The King County Board of Health calls on Seattle Children's Hospital to engage the community in the investigation. King County Board of Health calls on Seattle Children's Hospital to lift restrictions associated with nondisclosure agreements to facilitate the investigations recommended in this resolution. The Board of Health calls on Seattle Children's Hospital and on all health care organizations in King
County to identify and address racism in all its forms within their policies, procedures or practices.