On April 26, the Republican Club of Gig Harbor-Key Peninsula hosted its first annual Tax Relief Breakfast. The event was held at Neville’s at Madrona Links.

The keynote speaker for the event was Frederico Cruz-Uribe, MD, MPH. Dr. Cruz is currently the Director of Health for Tacoma-Pierce County, a position he has held since 1993. He is also considering a possible run for Washington State Governor in 2004. Dr. Cruz spoke on health issues, particularly in relationship to the war on terrorism.

In keeping with the Health Department’s mission to safeguard and enhance the health of the communities of Pierce County, Dr. Cruz has challenged the Department to shift its focus to core public health priorities. With this new focus, the Health Department has begun work on Alcohol and Substance abuse, Tobacco use, and Violence prevention. A major effort for the latter issue was a campaign to prevent domestic violence by distribution of poster’s in women’s restrooms in Pierce County, with a phone number to call for information and assistance.

Frederico Cruz-Uribe puts his words into actions alongside his belief that prevention holds the highest promise for serving the most people effectively while saving resources in the long run.