The connection between local health agencies and private schools has strengthened since the pandemic. As the WA State DOH continues to define the rules and programs to maintain the health and safety of schools as outlined by the WACs, these personal connections are now more important than ever.
This week, WFIS had the privilege of engaging with Erin Hockaday, Senior Manager of Surveillance and Investigation at Benton Franklin Health District, and Chantal Harmon Reed, the new Director of Public Health for Tacoma Pierce County Health Department. Both leaders demonstrated a profound understanding of the challenges schools are facing and a sincere desire to collaborate with private schools for the betterment of students and school personnel.
Each jurisdiction around the state has the same mandate for ensuring school safety but varying staff resources and budgetary timelines to work with. In the coming academic year, WFIS would like to encourage private schools to seek support from the local health agencies and let us know of any challenges or successes your school experiences.
