In response to Senate Bill 5052 becoming law, asking the Department of Health (DOH) to create Health Equity Zones across the state, we, DOH, are responsible for working with the Governor’s Interagency Council on Health Disparities, Tribal Partners, local health jurisdictions (LHJ), and accountable communities of health (ACH) to review public health data and data and partner with communities to self-identify areas in Washington for potential health equity zones. We must provide technical assistance to communities to facilitate self-identification of health equity zones.

In the first 12 months of the health equity zone bill, we must have a plan to partner with communities throughout the state to self-identify health equity zones. The plan must include a process for community groups and nonprofit organizations within any designated zone to mobilize and complete projects addressing each zone’s most serous health issues. This bill supports community organizations in health equity zones to use coalitions to identify and develop projects addressing community needs. This bill also supports local organizations entering into partnerships with state or national organizations outside of an identified zone.

The health equity zone bill requires us to support community organizations and groups in identifying and applying for resources to complete projects and provide coalitions with technical assistance related to project management and evaluation. Depending on available funding, this bill requires us to submit a report to the Washington State Legislature every two years, beginning December 1, 2023. This report must contain information on the projects completed in each health equity zone and the success of those projects.