The recent cartoon in the Renton Reporter (Jan. 28) unfortunately missed the mark in its treatment of service cuts faced by Public Health Centers and our clients because of the state budget crisis. Our clinics and their Maternity Support Services program serve some of the most vulnerable people in our community, regardless of race.

The real issue is the impact that this cut will have on our entire community’s health. Maternity Support Services help more than 30,000 babies and their mothers across King County get a healthier start in life each year, providing critical education, counseling and connections to other support services. A healthier start in life means fewer expensive hospital stays and long-term health problems, as well as fewer learning problems and developmental delays.

Everyone in our community has a stake in the well-being of our children, which is why the proposed reduction or elimination of this successful Maternity Support Services program is so concerning. For more information, Reporter readers can visit our website at www.kingcounty.gov/health/budget.

James Apa

Communications Manager

Public Health – Seattle & King County