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King County Healthcare Coalition
ASSESSEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT SETTING THE STAGE
GETTING TO KNOW THE KING COUNTY LANDSCAPE
Having concrete examples helps illustrate not only what assessment elements to consider but also why and how these elements impact the planning process. We have provided a brief look at the King County landscape to help define the context with which our Healthcare Coalition was developed. Although our landscape represents a large metropolitan area, there are elements that transcend all types of communities, just on a smaller scale.
GEOGRAPHIC AND REGIONAL BOUNDARIES
In the state of Washington there are nine health regions. These regions define political boundaries that impact resource allocation from federal agencies. The boundaries also impact planning and response systems.
King County is the only county in Region six. Most other regions in the state have multiple counties in one region, resulting in multiple health departments and the need for additional coordination efforts.
Have a clear understanding of the geographical and political boundaries so that health jurisdictions can better collaborate and combine resources where appropriate.
DEMOGRAPHICS AND PEOPLE
EXISTING SERVICES
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Strengths
Our area has a strong County Emergency Management System in place as well as a Regional Disaster Plan that currently includes 141 government and private representatives. Public Health, local hospitals, and emergency management partners had been previously engaged in planning and preparedness efforts together. And strong health care assets in our area include 911 and Emergency Medical System response as well as Hospital Control.
Weaknesses
After assessing probable service needs for a catastrophic disaster, our response system may be inadequate. Planning has been hospital-centric, not health care system-oriented. There is a limited capacity in the healthcare system and it has not been set up for a surge in demand. Cross county planning and coordination has not been strong and there are intensive capital demands and staff shortages.
ASSESSEMENT AND ENGAGEMENT SETTING THE STAGE
GETTING TO KNOW THE KING COUNTY LANDSCAPE
Having concrete examples helps illustrate not only what assessment elements to consider but also why and how these elements impact the planning process. We have provided a brief look at the King County landscape to help define the context with which our Healthcare Coalition was developed. Although our landscape represents a large metropolitan area, there are elements that transcend all types of communities, just on a smaller scale.
GEOGRAPHIC AND REGIONAL BOUNDARIES
In the state of Washington there are nine health regions. These regions define political boundaries that impact resource allocation from federal agencies. The boundaries also impact planning and response systems. King County is the only county in Region six. Most other regions in the state have multiple counties in one region, resulting in multiple health departments and the need for additional coordination efforts.
Have a clear understanding of the geographical and political boundaries so that health jurisdictions can better collaborate and combine resources where appropriate.
DEMOGRAPHICS AND PEOPLE
- A population of more than 1.8 million people
- The 13th most populous County in the nation
- 39 Cities, 130+ Special Purpose Districts
- 2 Tribal Nations
EXISTING SERVICES
- 18 Hospitals with Emergency Rooms
- 5 Specialty Hospitals
- 6 Community Health Centers
- 10 Public Health Clinics
- 1100 Residential Long Term Care Facilities
- 28 Safety Net Clinics
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
Strengths
Our area has a strong County Emergency Management System in place as well as a Regional Disaster Plan that currently includes 141 government and private representatives. Public Health, local hospitals, and emergency management partners had been previously engaged in planning and preparedness efforts together. And strong health care assets in our area include 911 and Emergency Medical System response as well as Hospital Control.
Weaknesses
After assessing probable service needs for a catastrophic disaster, our response system may be inadequate. Planning has been hospital-centric, not health care system-oriented. There is a limited capacity in the healthcare system and it has not been set up for a surge in demand. Cross county planning and coordination has not been strong and there are intensive capital demands and staff shortages.
