It was formed by the city government of Tacoma and Pierce County through an interlocal agreement signed in 1972.
[2][3] An attempt in December 2020 to dissolve the joint health department and create a county-only equivalent during the COVID-19 pandemic was considered by the Pierce County Council amid public outcry and criticism.
[1] Under the county ordinance, the interlocal agreement would be dissolved in late 2022, following a transition process.
[4] Governor Jay Inslee had issued a proclamation to halt the termination of local health departments during the COVID-19 pandemic under his emergency powers in response to the plan.
[5] The county council passed a sales tax increase later that month to fund behavioral health services, following criticism for the lack of programs similar to neighboring counties.