Drafter
Clerk 01/31/2012
Title
A RESOLUTION supporting the inclusion of health in the Washington state transportation system policy goals.
Body
WHEREAS, well-designed transportation systems have been shown to impact public health by increasing opportunities for physical activity and reducing risk factors for chronic disease, decreasing air pollution, reducing traffic-related injuries and increasing economic prosperity, and
WHEREAS, active transportation through walking, biking and transit provide opportunities for physical activity which in turn reduces obesity and other chronic diseases, and
WHEREAS, transportation-related exhaust is a major source of air pollution and a less car-dependent system reduces air pollution from emissions in turn reducing asthma and other respiratory health problems, and
WHEREAS, the rate of obesity in Washington has almost doubled over the last fifteen years, disproportionately affecting those of lower socioeconomic and educational status, and
WHEREAS, currently obesity and related disease result in state health care costs of $1.33 billion per year, and
WHEREAS, nearly one third of adults and eighty-five percent of youth in King County do not receive the minimum thirty minutes of physical activity per day, and
WHEREAS, a lack of physical activity is a major contributor to the steady rise in rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other chronic health conditions, and
WHEREAS, prevention and reduction in these disease outcomes saves the state billions in health care costs, and
WHEREAS, a well-designed transportation system is not only a source of good jobs, but is also a great conveyance to jobs in other sectors, as well as to goods and services, and
WHEREAS, transportation solutions that benefit public health can create social and economic equity and improve the economy;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Health of King County:
The Board of Health calls on Washington state to include health am...
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