Policy Report

Policy ReportLinda J. Graham, Health Policy Specialist

Board of HealthJanuary 30, 2014

Health Policy SpecialistPolicy Analyst• Coordinate internal process of policy development, analysis,

prioritization and implementation• Developing standardized process and tools• Support BOH• Analyze impacts of policies on SRHD

Educate on Health in All PoliciesLegislative/Elected Official Liaison• Federal, state and local

State Legislative Priorities

• Tobacco Settlement Funds for Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Efforts

• Healthiest Next Generation• Public Health Nurse Dispensing of Medication• Marijuana Education Funding

SRHD will actively engage legislators in discussions concerning these policy bills/budget requests:

SRHD will also monitor numerous other policy bills/budget requests and take action where appropriate.

Marijuana Use

Youth Marijuana Use

26% 27%19%18%

Spokane Statewide

Youth Marijuana UseYouth Admissions to Treatment by Drug

60%+

20%+

Youth Marijuana Use

38% 34%

62%57%

Spokane Statewide

Youth Marijuana UseImpacts:• Long term health impacts• Higher risk of teen suicide• Other risky behaviors• School performance

Youth Marijuana Use

Youth Marijuana UseAccidental Exposures Potentially More Likely:According to the Washington Poison Center, at least 15 toddlers in our state were treated last year at local hospitals after adverse exposure to marijuana.

Doctors concerned it is only going to get worse with legalization of recreational use.

Adult Marijuana Use

Adult Marijuana Use

4.3%5.9%

2.7%

12%

5.0%

2.8%

0.1%

3.4%

5.0%

Washington Male Female Rural Urban18-24 25-43 44-64 65+

Adult Marijuana Use

Washington Male Female Rural Urban18-24 25-43 44-64 65+

Washington Male Female Rural Urban18-24 25-43 44-64 65+

4.3%

4.6%

Adult Marijuana Use

Washington Male Female Rural Urban18-24 25-43 44-64 65+

57.4%62.7%

52.3% 55.2%64.8%

57.9%

42.3%

54.6%

59.7%

Adult Marijuana Use

Questions?