Governor Inslee Appoints Dental Quality Assurance Manager at Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (SITC) Dental Clinic to Consumer Position
Tumwater, WA – May 25, 2022 – Governor Jay Inslee has appointed Melinda “Mindy” Flores, who works with underrepresented, underserved, and vulnerable communities, to the Washington State Board of Health. Ms. Flores fills one of two positions that represent consumers on the 10-member Board.
Ms. Flores currently serves as the Dental Quality Assurance Manager at Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (SITC) Dental Clinic with a strong background in strategy, quality improvement, systems transformation, and facilitative leadership. Ms. Flores is also an executive team member of the newly developed dəxʷx̌ayəbus - Dental Therapy Education Program at Skagit Valley College (SVC) and its affiliated partner, SITC. dəxʷx̌ayəbus, pronounced as dahf-hi-ya-buus, is a Lushootseed tribal word meaning Place of Smiles.
Ms. Flores is an active member of numerous national, state, and local health boards and community groups that support and promote oral health initiatives and programs. Mindy earned a bachelor’s degree from Seattle University and a master’s with emphasis in Healthcare Management Administration.
“Member Flores shares our commitment to health equity and public service. She has significant experience leading and engaging local communities on important public health issues,” said Michelle Davis, executive director of the Board. “Her experience and sincere desire to improve public health makes her a great addition to the Board.”
The Board has declared racism is a public health crisis. Members recognize racism disproportionally impacts Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and that racism has prevented communities of color from thriving and achieving their optimal health for centuries. The Board is committed to listening to, learning from, and partnering with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-led organizations to dismantle institutional racism and improve diversity, equity, and inclusion within our Board. Read the full statement on our website.
You can read Member Flores’ full biography on our website. The next Board meeting will be June 8. A draft agenda will be disseminated May 25. Subscribe to our email distribution list, visit our website, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter to get the latest news and information about Board meetings and rulemaking projects.
Established by the state constitution in 1889, the State Board of Health has served the people of Washington for 133 years, providing leadership and advancing public health practices that protect and improve the public’s health. Our work focuses on analyzing policies, developing rules, promoting partnerships, and encouraging public engagement in the public health system.
