Who We Are

We are responsible for identifying priorities and creating recommendations for the Governor and Legislature to eliminate health disparities by race / ethnicity and gender in Washington.

The Council has 17 members. Membership includes 14 individuals from state agencies, boards, and commissions, and three members selected by the Governor.

Our History

The state Legislature created the Council through Second Substitute Senate Bill 6197 in 2006 following the recommendation by the Joint Select Committee on Health Disparities.

Senator Rosa Franklin was the prime sponsor of the bill. Ms. Franklin was the first African American woman elected to the Washington State Senate in 1993. She served the people of the 29th legislative district in Tacoma for 17 years before retiring in 2010.

Our Vision

Guided by our North Star that is Equity, we honor the broad differences and bonding similarities that make up this state. The power entrusted to us by the people inspires us to be channels for change. We shift power by sharing priorities, being transparent and reflective and disrupting oppressive practices so everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Read our full vision statement.

Our Operating Principles

We adopted our Operating Principles to guide our work into the future. Our Principles reflect our core values to embrace equity, focus on racism, prioritize the social determinants of health, center community, commit to bold action, and be vigilant for unintended consequences.  

Our Authority and Duties

The Council's statutory authority is described in RCW Chapter 43.20.275.

The Council's bylaws provide the framework for how the Council operates. Information includes membership, meetings, and procedures.