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Thurston County, Washington

The content on the Thurston County website is currently provided in English. We are providing the “Translation” for approximately 10 languages. The goal of the translation is to provide visitors with limited English proficiency to access information on the website in other languages. The translations do not translate all types of documents, and it may not give you an exact translation all the time. The translations are made through an automated process, which may not result in accurate or precise translations, particularly of technical and legal terminology.

Public Health and Social Services

The Thurston County Public Health & Social Services Department is located in Olympia, Washington. The Department is governed by the Board of Health and Board of County Commissioners.

Image of PHSS Director and Health Office at January 2023 Board of Health meeting
 

Our Mission: "Working together to achieve the highest level of health and well-being for everyone".

Our Vision: "Thriving, hopeful, healthy communities where all people are safe and supported and our environment is protected." 

Values: Integrity, Leadership, Service Excellence, Hope, Compassion, Wellness, Inclusivity 

The Strategic Plan for the Department addresses five focus areas:

  1. Achieve Organizational Excellence
  2. Advance Equity
  3. Protect Human Health
  4. Promote Healthy Behaviors 
  5. Support Well-Being

Department Strategic Plan 2020-2024 

Department Strategic Plan 2020-2024 Summary 

Executive Leadership Team

David M. Bayne, Department Director Dr. Jen Freiheit, Department Assistant Director
Gretchen Thaller, Community Wellness Division Director  Erin Birklid, Disease Control and Prevention Division Director
Steve Peterson, Environmental Health Division Interim-Director  Corrine Marson, Fiscal Team Senior Management Analyst
Thomas Webster, Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention Program Manager Chelyn Sowers, Treatment Sales Tax Program Manager
Mark Moffett, Social Services Program Manager  Dr. Dimyana Abdelmalek, Thurston County Health Officer 
Vickie Larkin, Administrative Services Program Manager Recruiting, Executive Assistant