The Blue Ribbon Committee identified three critical issues to focus on:

1. Healthy weight in adults and children
2. Behavioral/mental health and substance abuse
3. Maternal and child health

Below are some resources that address these areas of focus:

Healthy cooking doesn't have to be hard or take a long time. 

Check out our series of 60-second videos for ideas to jumpstart your own healthy meals at home!

Watch additional Healthier by the Minute videos on WatchAuburn.

The R.E.A.D.Y. Program ©
Watch the R.E.A.D.Y. Program video
The R.E.A.D.Y. (Real Emergency Aid Depends on You) Program is designed to provide information about common behavioral and mental health issues through a one-hour course that teaches basic, practical skills to use in emergency mental health situations and crises. The program provides direction on how to communicate with someone until first responders arrive on site and what to expect once they do arrive. If you are interested in additional information about the program, please email [email protected].

Teen R.E.A.D.Y.
Watch Teen R.E.A.D.Y.
In the fall of 2019, the Blue Ribbon Committee released Teen R.E.A.D.Y., a shortened version of the full R.E.A.D.Y. program designed specifically for student audiences.

Naloxone and Narcan: Where To Find It
Naloxone and Narcan are drugs that can be administered to stop a fatal opioid drug overdose. The Blue Ribbon Committee has gathered a list of Auburn pharmacies where these drugs can be purchased or ordered.
View Locations (PDF)

*If there are additional Auburn pharmacies which stock these drugs, please email [email protected] and we will add them to our list.

Toolkit From the Bipartisan Task Force To Combat The Heroin Epidemic

Congressman Dave Reichert recently sent the Blue Ribbon Committee a comprehensive toolkit of resources to assist with substance abuse and addiction in our region. The toolkit includes information and resources for those suffering from addiction, as well as family support tools, treatment and recovery support, and prevention services.
Read the full toolkit 

Blue Ribbon Committee

In 2015, a King County Community Health Needs Assessment report was released with data showing that south King County, including Auburn, was among the most negatively impacted areas in the state for health, housing and economic opportunity. 

The data showed that average life expectancy in south King County was 13 years less than other areas. It showed Auburn as having some of the highest rates of behavioral/mental distress, obesity, smoking, diabetes, low income, and unemployment.

• Read the full King County Community Health Needs Assessment report (PDF)
• Summary (PDF)

To address these concerning findings, the Blue Ribbon Committee was formed by Mayor Backus.

The Blue Ribbon Committee is made up of volunteers including our clinical partner, MultiCare Health System, and representatives from seven major stakeholders:

• Auburn School District
• Muckleshoot Indian Tribe
• Green River College
• Valley Cities Mental Health
• Auburn Valley YMCA
• HealthPoint
• Seattle-King County Public Health of Auburn 

The Committee identified three critical issues to begin plans of improved health for the Auburn community.

1. Healthy Weight in Adults and Children
2. Behavioral/Mental Health and Substance Abuse
3. Maternal and Child Health