Thurston Board of Health expanding, screening applicants

The Thurston Board of Health (BOH) discussed the screening process of applicants for the “citizen seats” of the board during its special meeting yesterday, August 24. 

Commissioner Tye Menser disclosed that seven applicants are vying for the three remaining healthcare and community members' posts.

The current four members of the BOH decided to set September 6 as the interview date for these applicants. Each applicant will be given 30 minutes for the interview and be allowed to attend via Zoom if they cannot be available in person.

The interviews will not be live-streamed, but community members are welcome to attend in person to listen to the applicants. After the interviews, the current BOH members will decide whom they will nominate for the three posts.

Nominated healthcare and community members must be approved and appointed by a majority vote of the Thurston Board of County Commissioners based on the following guidelines:

• A member representing public health, health care facilities, and providers
• A member representing consumers of public health

A member representing other community stakeholders

Legislation this year (RCW 70.05.030 and WAC 246-90) obligated the county to grow the board to eight members, including the three elected county commissioners and a city-elected official.

The post for the city elected official will rotate every two years from Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Yelm. Lacey Councilmember Robin Vazquez of Lacey is the first elected official to hold the city seat.

Thurston Emergency Services Director Kurt Hardin said staff had already followed up with the American Indian Health Commission of Washington State for its appointee, who will be the tribal representative.