WHEREAS, In May 1911, there was an explosive outbreak of Typhoid fever in Yakima County; and
     WHEREAS, A subsequent investigation into the cause of the outbreak by the Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Service and Marine-Hospital Service revealed that the illnesses were linked directly to poor sanitation and contamination of shallow wells; and
     WHEREAS, In response to the findings, the federal agencies recommended the formation of a single agency to take on the issues of sanitation, sewage disposal and well location and construction throughout the entire county to prevent similar outbreaks in the future; and
     WHEREAS, In June 1911, the Yakima County Health District was formed to serve that purpose; and
     WHEREAS, The Yakima Health District's continuing mission is to provide prevention, education and disease control services, and to promote, protect, and enhance the health and safety of all in partnership with the people of Yakima County; and
     WHEREAS, The Yakima Health District will celebrate its 100th anniversary in June of 2011, and is planning a centennial celebration to help promote healthy habits to combat current health challenges and look toward ways to shape a healthier, happier, and safer Yakima;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor the Yakima Health District for its century of service to the people of Yakima County and to Washington State, and let it be known that the men and women who work for the Yakima Health District truly live by their motto, "Prevention is our business"; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Yakima Health District and its employees, the offices of Yakima County, and the Yakima Herald Republic.