SEATTLE - Health officials representing more than 4 million Washingtonians say they want national healthcare reform finished by year's end.

Members of the King, Clark, Kitsap, Snohomish, Tacoma-Pierce and Thurston county boards of health came together to sign a letter addressed to the state's federal congressional delegation.

The letter reads, in part: "We ask that you not be deterred by the theatrical tactics of those who oppose reform. The status quo is not financially sustainable, nor does it lead to the healthy individuals and communities we all want and deserve."

King County Health Department chairwoman Julie Patterson said, "Lawmakers must move ahead promptly with health reform and include a funding strategy that preserves critical public health programs in order to protect the health of the greater community."

U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Seattle, was there as the letter was signed. He said he believes there will be comprehensive healthcare reform before the end of the year. McDermott, however, blamed pharmaceutical and insurance companies for covertly stirring up public outrage and fear over reform.

When asked about whether boards of public health should be coming together on a seemingly partisan issue like healthcare reform, Dianne White of the Snohomish County Board of Health said, :"This isn’t a partisan issue, it’s a human issue."

State Senator Cheryl Pflug, R-Maple Valley, attended the letter signing, but afterward said, "I support about 95 percent of what they said."

Pflug said she supports the need for healthcare reform with a focus on public health funding, but said she is worried about rushing the process.

"I’d like to see the thought leaders (in Congress) on this issue influencing the political leaders instead of the other way around," said Pflug.

"The United States spends more on healthcare than any nation, but we’re among the unhealthiest developed nations in the world," said Steve Bauer, chairman of the Kitsap County Board of Health.

One Senate bill under consideration includes a Prevention and Public Health Investment Fund with up to $10 billion for public health programs not currently covered under the private insurance system.