Get to Know the WSALPHO President!

Get to Know the WSALPHO President!

We reached out to the President of the Washington State Association of Local Public Health officials (WSALPHO), Carla Prock, Community Health Director, Benton-Franklin Health District, to learn more about their affiliate group, what they do, and why it's important.

Question: Please introduce yourself. What's your county employment journey, your education, and hobbies or interests, Carla!

Answer: I am a dedicated champion of community health in Kennewick, Washington, bringing more than 25 years of public health experience to my role as Director of Community Health at the Benton‑Franklin Health District. I am a Registered Nurse and a proud graduate of Washington State University’s College of Nursing, and I am deeply committed to serving the community I call home.
Having lived in the region for nearly four decades, I began my career as a home‑visiting public health nurse before advancing into supervisory roles across multiple maternal and child health programs. These early experiences shaped my passion for improving population health outcomes and ultimately led me to my current leadership position.

One of my proudest professional accomplishments has been helping lead the district to achieve Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) Accreditation. I continue to guide our organization toward the goals of Public Health 3.0, with a strong focus on performance management, quality improvement, and continuous system advancement.

Beyond my role within public health, I strive to be a trusted community partner and advocate for health equity. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties and value opportunities to collaborate across sectors to strengthen our community.

Outside of work, my husband of 26 years and I are navigating the rewarding transition of launching our two young adult sons. We enjoy spending time with our dogs, who have proven to be enthusiastic travel companions on regular weekend trips to the Blue Mountains.

Question: Why did you get involved in the group? What do you see as the value the group offers?

Answer: I first became engaged with WSALPHO when I was invited to present and later collaborate with the Community Health Leadership Committee (CHLC) on electronic medical record transition processes. That experience introduced me to inspiring community health leaders across Washington, many of whom became mentors. I joined CHLC in 2012 as an agency representative and was later asked to serve on the executive leadership team. Through this role, I gained broader exposure to the dedicated leaders across WSALPHO’s committees and programs and was eager to continue learning and building relationships statewide. Through my continued involvement, I have seen firsthand the value WSALPHO provides by connecting leaders, fostering collaboration, and creating a shared voice to advance public health practice, ultimately strengthening outcomes for communities across Washington.

Question: Why did you choose to engage in a leadership role within this group? What has been your favorite part so far?

Answer: As we began transitioning out of the pandemic, I felt a renewed sense of responsibility to lean into leadership and help tell the story of public health in Washington State. After such an intense and challenging period for the field, it felt like the right time to step forward, support our workforce, and help shape what comes next. I had truly missed being part of the WSALPHO board representing the Community Health Leadership Committee (CHLC), and joining the leadership team felt both familiar and meaningful.

My favorite part of serving as President/Co‑Chair has been reconnecting with colleagues who share a deep commitment to community health and making space for honest conversations, learning, and collaboration. I’ve especially enjoyed building relationships across the state and working alongside leaders who care deeply about strengthening public health systems and supporting one another during a period of recovery and growth. Being part of that collective effort has been both grounding and energizing.

Question: Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Answer: Public health matters because it touches everyone’s daily life in ways we often take for granted. Clean water, safe food, vaccines, and quick responses to outbreaks all help keep people healthy so kids can go to school, adults can go to work, and communities can function.

Prioritizing public health also saves money and stress. Preventing illness is far less costly than treating it later, and it helps avoid overwhelmed hospitals and missed workdays. Strong public health systems make Washington more prepared for emergencies like wildfires, pandemics, or extreme weather.

Public health also focuses on fairness—making sure everyone, no matter where they live, has a real chance to be healthy. When we invest in public health, we’re investing in healthier people, stronger communities, and a more resilient future for all of Washington.