City of Enumclaw announces plans for funding assistance for WIC program

The momentum to save the Auburn Health Clinic and the clinic’s satellite office in Enumclaw continues to build as the City of Enumclaw announced today that it will contribute $10,000 over the biennium to help the center to keep the doors open for the next two years.

Editor’s note: The city of Enumclaw contribution for $10,000 is proposed in the 2015 city budget. The contribution is dependent on the City Council approval of the budget. The council must approve the budget by Dec. 31.

King County Press Release

The momentum to save the Auburn Health Clinic and the clinic’s satellite office in Enumclaw continues to build as the city of Enumclaw announced today that it plans to contribute $10,000 over the biennium to help the center to keep the doors open for the next two years.

Continued operation of the Auburn Health Center and affiliated satellite offices are critically important to the City of Enumclaw and surrounding communities as many residents from these communities use the services provided by the clinic.

“(Enumclaw Mayor Liz) Reynolds and the city of Enumclaw are to be commended for working quickly to help fund this vital health center,” said King County Councilman Reagan Dunn, who represents Enumclaw on the County Council.  “These partnerships are coming together in a time of need to help ensure access to basic healthcare services for area residents. I’d also like to thank Executive Constantine who has been instrumental in this process and working tirelessly to bring together this broad coalition of partners to save this clinic.”

“The financial collaboration amongst so many communities speaks volumes as to the value the WIC program offers and I’m happy that Enumclaw is part of it. This goes to show that when we work together we can move mountains,” said Reynolds. “Thank you (King County) Executive (Dow) Constantine for your reconsideration, and thanks to Councilmember Reagan Dunn and his council colleagues for their hard work on this.”

Today’s announcement comes after the executive announced Nov. 5 that a coalition of partners are collaborating to provide a portion of the funding needed to maintain the clinic. The coalition of government and provider partners: The cities of Auburn, Algona, and Pacific. The cities are joined by Orion Industries, a local metal manufacturer, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, the Auburn School District, and the Valley Regional Fire Authority.

“I’d also like to thank Executive Constantine who has worked tirelessly to bring together this broad coalition of partners that are providing a portion of the funding needed to help save this clinic,” said Dunn.  “The County Council is nearing the completion of the 2015-2016 County Budget and my Council colleagues are committed to finding the remaining funds needed in this budget to keep the center operating.”