From July 2024 to June 2025, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) used FPHS funding to collect the most robust information the Washington public health system has on inequities in adult chronic health, preventive care, and associated behavioral, demographic, and clinical factors. FPHS funding ultimately changed the foundational operations and priorities of Washington’s BRFSS, focusing on understanding health inequities in our state and identifying opportunities to address them.
From July 2024 to June 2025, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) used FPHS funding to collect the most robust information the Washington public health system has on inequities in adult chronic health, preventive care, and associated behavioral, demographic, and clinical factors. FPHS funding ultimately changed the foundational operations and priorities of Washington’s BRFSS, focusing on understanding health inequities in our state and identifying opportunities to address them. FPHS funds were used to:
From July 2024 to June 2025, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) used FPHS funding to collect the most robust information the Washington public health system has on inequities in adult chronic health, preventive care, and associated behavioral, demographic, and clinical factors.
FPHS exists everywhere in Washington in order to serve everyone in Washington. Check out some of these other FPHS stories to learn about some of the other places or paths for FPHS delivery.
Having a Community Health Assessment (CHA) allowed the department to evaluate health equity, identify critical service gaps, and understand the nuanced barriers that impact rural well-being—from healthcare access and behavioral health to food security, transportation, and childcare. These insights have served as the foundation for every subsequent decision, program, and partnership GCPH has launched.
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FPHS funding made possible the launch of the local Chelan-Douglas Medical Reserve Corps (CDMRC) — a network of trained volunteers, both medical and nonmedical, background checked, trained and standing by to assist when our community needs them most. The CDMRC enhances our emergency surge capacity, strengthens community trust, and ensures we can respond swiftly and effectively in any public health emergency.
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Skagit County Public Health has been able to provide STI testing, treatment, and outreach to communities living in remote areas, experiencing homeless, or facing other barriers to accessing care.
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In 2024, the Washington State Public Health Lab provided significant testing support for a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza event. Many of the staff supporting this outbreak response were funded by FPHS funds. Without the FPHS funding our response would have been less robust. We would have needed to limit throughput and likely reduce operating hours.
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People who move to eastern Washington are often unaware of the unique set of environmental hazards, extreme weather events, and potential disasters that may occur in the region. Some newcomers to the area primarily speak and read languages other than English. To serve the whole community’s emergency preparedness needs, public health agencies provide accessible information that helps residents prepare for local threats and hazards. Importantly, FPHS funds supported (or in coordination with local nonprofit organizations, SRHD leveraged FPHS funds to support) the translation and targeted dissemination of plain-language public health emergency preparedness materials covering extreme heat, wildfire smoke, and general household preparedness topics to disproportionately impacted communities in Spokane County.
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Through the Language Access Collaborative led by Public Health-Seattle King County, our agency now has access to translation and interpretation services in over 50 languages. With nearly 40% of Grant County residents speaking a language other than English at home, this service has become essential.
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