Former Health District Administrator Claims She Transformed SRHD for the Better During Her Tenure

A week after her departure from the Spokane Regional Health District, Alicia Thompson remains proud of her nearly two-year tenure there. “I am proud of the work I did and I believe I left the organization in a better place,” she stated.

The reasons behind Thompson’s firing remain unclear. Both she and the health district’s board have refrained from elaborating, attributing this to a confidentiality agreement included in her severance package, which totals over $107,000. The only hint provided was vague performance-related concerns, which Thompson did not elaborate on, maintaining that she did not believe she had acted improperly.

In a LinkedIn post following her exit, Thompson expressed gratitude for her time at the health district, highlighting her commitment to public health and optimism for future opportunities.

Thompson, who had been the administrative officer since December 2023, was hired by a health board composed of city and county elected officials, along with public members. Notably, a new state law now allows local tribal governments to appoint some board members, offering a more diverse range of perspectives.

Amber Waldref, chair of the health board and a Spokane County Commissioner, thanked Thompson for her service and expressed her hopes for the organization as it moves forward. She emphasized the need for Trust in the health district’s public health efforts, especially in light of recent challenges. Waldref also noted that she is more concerned about potential federal threats to public health funding than Thompson’s departure.

The past few years have not been easy for the Spokane Regional Health District. In 2020, the previous administrative officer, Amelia Clark, faced severe backlash after dismissing health officer Dr. Bob Lutz during the COVID-19 pandemic without board approval. Clark then stepped down in 2022 following complaints of violating state law.

As for the future, Waldref and the board are focused on ensuring that the health district maintains its commitment to providing valuable public health information and services. Interim officers have been appointed, but the timeline for finding Thompson’s permanent replacement remains uncertain.

In the midst of all this change, public health leaders are calling for a renewed focus on community engagement and transparency. As public trust in health institutions is critical, moving forward will require open channels of communication with the public. Given the challenges of the past few years, revitalizing community trust will be essential for the Spokane Regional Health District’s future success.

For more insights into current public health challenges and community engagement, refer to this CDC report on health equity and community trust.

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