Healthy People and Environment
Quality of life depends on each person's ability to participate in the opportunities and advantages of the communities in which they live. In order to do this, people need the possibility of good health and a safe, clean environment.
The challenges of achieving good health for all are increasing. More and more people are losing their health insurance. Even people with insurance are finding that costs of care can be too much to bear. And pollution in the environment threatens to overwhelm the health and safety of our air, water, land, and wildlife.
Public efforts can make a difference to improve health and the environment in Washington. The state can help protect children who are living in abusive homes, care for elderly who need support and services, and support people with disabilities. The state can provide high quality medical care and health insurance to those who are not privately covered. And government efforts can protect the public and the environment in the face of infectious diseases, natural disasters, or pollution.
This chapter describes the shared responsibility we have to achieve a state where people and the environment are healthy. It includes goals, measurable outcomes, and spotlights on key issues.
