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On October 20, 2023, the City of Ocean Shores participated in the first Grays Harbor County Public Health Symposium in Seabrook, Washington. The primary goals of the symposium highlight the successes and challenges of meeting the healthcare needs of our community, and to discuss how matters as diverse as transportation, lifelong learning, basic housing, addiction, exercise and access to medical care impact the health and welfare of our community.
There were panels dedicated to substance abuse, early childhood development, and chronic health conditions. Among the many attendees were Umair A Shah, Washington State Secretary of Health, Mike McNickle, Director of Grays Harbor County Public Health, Craig Dublanko, CEO of Coastal Community Action Program, Chris Frye of Blue Zones, and Lynette Buffington, CEO of Greater Grays Harbor.
Among the pertinent topics of discussion were the district’s health status, the difficulties of affording access to care, and the lack of adequate nursing staff and primary care physicians. This was a great opportunity to address our rural health and access concerns. We are working together to find solutions and we are looking forward to coming together next year with some real results to improve access to healthcare in our community.
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