Learn More About Thurston County Syringe Services

The Syringe Services Program provides many community benefits:

• Minimize disease transmission
• Provide harm reduction services
• Provide case management and linkage to treatment
• Provide referral to services and supports
• Provide resources for opioid overdose response and naloxone administration

In fact, the bottom line for this program is that it means more people are alive and in recovery. 

Learn more here:
http://www.thurstontalk.com/2018/11/29/what-you-should-know-about-the-thurston-county-syringe-services-program/

Men's Health is Important Year Round

Even when it's not "Movember" it's important for men to take care of their health. Learn more about "Movember" and health issues that affect men from the Thurston County Health Officer: 

https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article222831555.html  

Then check out this great video encouraging men to be men "of more words" from https://us.movember.com/ 

Thurston County Environmental Health Fee Increase Approved

The Thurston County Board of Health approved a 10% Environmental Fee Increase. The increase is intended to improve services to both residents and businesses in the County, and reduce wait times when processing land use and septic permits. The fee proposal increases most Environmental Health fees by 10% and these resources will help the citizens by:

• Improving customer service quality
• Reducing permit backlog times for customers
• Reducing overtime costs
• Decreasing deferred/delayed work

To learn more, visit:

https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/tchome/pages/newsreleasedetail.aspx?List-ID=1926

Colder Weather Doesn't Have to Mean No Exercise

Is the cold weather getting you down?  Are you stuck in the house with your family trying not to get on each other's nerves because you think it's just too cold to go outside.  Here are some tips on becoming more active as a family:

https://choosemyplate-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/tentips/DGTipsheet29BeAnActiveFamily.pdf 

Water Quality is Important to All of Us

Whether we think about it very often or not, water quality is an essential part of every person’s life. Clean drinking water is necessary to live! Healthy rivers, streams and Puget Sound are important for local wildlife AND essential for our local economy; whether focused on shellfish harvesting, navigable waterways, or tourism. Most of us have a favorite park, river or beach spot where we take our loved ones or go to gather our thoughts and recreate. Healthy water quality is an important part of our overall health as people, and as a community. It’s also one reason why so many of us are grateful to live in this beautiful, water-rich region! Learn more about what you can do to protect water quality in the Thurston Talk article below:

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2018/11/07/what-can-you-do-to-improve-local-water-quality/

Thurston County Pilots Infant at Work Program

On Tuesday, September 18, the Thurston County Board of Commissionersunanimously approved a one-year, pilot Infant at Work project at the Public Health and Social Service’s (PHSS) Department on Lilly Road. Employees will have the opportunity to bring infants aged six weeks to six months to work beginning this week. PHSS was chosen as the department for the pilot because it has a health-oriented mission and building infrastructure that supports this project. Learn more about the program by reading the Thurston Talk article at the link below:


http://www.thurstontalk.com/2018/09/27/thurston-county-pilots-infant-at-work-program/

Learn more about Thurston County's Nurse Family Partnership Program

Parenting is hard. Even when you have lots of help, and tons of resources at your disposal, it’s a tough road. Becoming a mother for the first time is harder still—and first-time moms without the resources and resiliency they need have it hardest of all. The Thurston-Mason-Lewis Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program is dedicated to building relationships between experienced nurses and new mothers who are experiencing multiple challenges. Learn more by following this link:

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2018/09/19/nurse-family-partnership-program-yields-positive-results/

Taking Care of our Veterans

Taking care of the people who have served in the armed forces is something we all want to do well. After all, serving in the military takes a unique kind of strength and bravery. It takes a high level of sacrifice that most of us aren’t willing to make. Learn more about how we can help take care of our veterans from our Thurston County Health Officer in this recent Health Matters column. 

https://www.theolympian.com/living/health-fitness/article221444570.html

Health Matters -- Physical Activity is the Key

Physical activity can make a big difference to your health. Learn more from a recent Health Matters column. 



https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article220711850.html

Learn More About Domestic Violence

Thurston County's Health Officer, Dr. Rachel Wood, shares more information about Domestic Violence in this week's Health Matters column in The Olympian. 

https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article219969325.html 

Nurse Family Partnerships Benefit New Mom, Babies, and Families Too

Thurston County's Nurse Family Partnership Program is a three-county partnership that matches new mothers with nurses who can provide guidance and resources. Read more about it in the latest article in Thurston Talk. 

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2018/09/19/nurse-family-partnership-program-yields-positive-results/ 

FREE Septic Sense Workshops!

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services is offering Septic Sense workshops throughout September. They cover how to maintain the system to keep it working well. There's no cost for these workshops, but they often fill up quickly. Don't wait to sign up! 

Register here:  bit.ly/2Cz2eTo 

Thurston County 5 Year Homelessness Plan

According to a recent news release, on August 14, 2018, the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners adopted a 5-Year Thurston County Homeless Housing Plan (2017-2022). . Additional details on these strategies, and the rest of the Five-Year Homeless Housing Plan is available here: https://www.co.thurston.wa.us/Health/sscp/PDF/TC5YearPlan_Final_081318.pdf

Did You Know Thurston County Parks Are Tobacco and Vape Free?

It's true! Smoking and vapign are no longer allowed in County Parks, Preserves, or on Trails. According to the County ordinance, there are lots of good reasons for taking this step, including:

• Helps prevent exposure of residents to secondhand smoke and vapor.
• Creates a safer and healthier environment for park users, including children and youth.
• Protects children’s health by reducing their exposure to smoking and vaping.
• Supports park users who may be trying to quit smoking.
• Protects against fire and environmental impacts of littering.
• Is consistent with state and regional goal of eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke and vapor.
• Furthers the County’s mission by supporting healthy activity and preventing secondhand smoke or vapor impacts to the many users of these public spaces.

You can read more  in this article in Thurston Talk:

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2018/08/15/thurston-county-passes-tobacco-free-parks-ordinance/ 

Getting Rid of Unwanted or Expired Medicine

Many of us have unneeded, unwanted and expired medications in our bathrooms, cupboards, and nightstands. We know that there is something that we are supposed to do with it…it can’t go into the trash and certainly shouldn’t go down the drain or into the toilet, so what are our options?

There are 7 locations in Thurston County to take unwanted medications for FREE DISPOSAL! Keep medicines out of the landfill and protect our drinking water by disposing of unwanted medications at one of these locations:

Thurston County Sheriff’s Office

2000 Lakeridge Dr. SW, Bldg. 3, Olympia

Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

Lacey Police Department

420 College St. SE, Lacey

Open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

Rainier City Hall

102 Rochester St. W, Rainier

Open Mon-Thurs, 8am-5pm

Tenino Police Department

358 McClellan St. SE, Tenino

Open Mon-Fri, 7:30am-4pm

Tumwater Police Department

555 Israel Rd. SW, Tumwater

Open Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm

Yelm Police Department

206 McKenzie Ave. SE, Yelm

Open Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm

Olympia Walgreens

1510 Cooper Point Rd. SW, Olympia

Open 7am - 9pm

Drop boxes accept prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, pet medicine, medicated ointments and lotions, inhalers and liquid medicines in a leak-proof container. NO used needles, gloves, vitamins, supplements or business waste accepted.

Contact us at 360-866-2674 or johnsoj@co.thurston.wa.us with any questions or for more information.

Whatever Your Age--Move Your Body For Better Health!

Our bodies are meant to move!  Sitting too much is risky business.  Daily movement improves health and fitness, and fights chronic disease.  Just how much physical activity do I need?

https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/index.htm

Best Habits For Staying Safe With Furry Friends

Check out Dr. Wood's latest Health Matters column in The Olympian. She shares some of the common problems that can result from hanging out with furry pals, and offers easy ways to avoid those problems. 

https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article215276105.html

Thurston County Veterans' Assistance Fund

Know a local veteran who's struggling with the cost of housing? The Thurston County Veteran's Assistance Fund may be able to help. Learn more here: 

http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ssveteran/index.html

Wildfire Smoke and Your Health

The threat of wildfires grows during the heat of summer. A new Health Matters column in The Olympian offers some ways to be prepared this year, for the potential health impacts of wildfire smoke:

https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article21447933

4.html 

Summer is a Great Time to Update Travel ID

Did you know you can get an official copy of your birth certificate (if you were born in Washington State) right at the Public Health and Social Services office on Lilly Road? It's true! And with changes coming to the ID required to fly, you may want to take time this summer to learn more. Here's a great place to start: 

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2018/07/02/have-id-will-travel-thurston-county-publih-health-and-social-services-talk-about-new-ids/

Bats Are Cool, But Don't Touch

Bats do a lot of wonderful things for our communities, however, a small percentage of bats carry rabies, so it's important to stay safe, and know what to do if you come in contact with a bat. Learn more in the Thurston County Health Officer's most recent Health Matters column. 

https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article213704049.html

Learn More About Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

In her latest Health Matters column in The Olympian, our Thurston County Health Officer shares some great information to help people understand their risk for developing diabetes, and some guidance for how to take action to prevent it:

http://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article212853919.html 

News Release: Thurston County Board of Health Declares Homelessness and Opioid Crises

County

Commissioners

John Hutchings - District One

Gary Edwards - District Two

Bud Blake - District Three

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Thursday, June 14, 2018

CONTACT:       Gabrielle Byrne, Public Information Specialist, Public Health and Social Services, (360)867-2514 or byrneg@co.thurston.wa.us

Thurston County Board of Health Declares Homelessness and Opioid Crises

OLYMPIA – Today, the Thurston County Board of Health held a special meeting to officially declare two public health crises in our community, the opioid epidemic and homelessness.

“As the Board of Health, we are responsible for the lives of every single person in Thurston County, and we take threats to their health seriously,” said Commission Chair, Bud Blake. “Homelessness and the opioid crisis are top priorities for our citizens and, through these resolutions, we have an opportunity to take strong actions. People in our community are suffering and the best way to end these crises is by working together with all of our governmental, health, and social service partners.”

Homelessness:

The Board of Health affirmed their support for Thurston Thrives, the local Continuum of Care, the City of Olympia, and other municipalities’ efforts to take actions to address the homelessness issue; the number one concern of Thurston County citizens according to a recent survey conducted as part of Thurston County’s strategic planning process.

Last year, the County distributed 5.8 million dollars to 35 nonprofit agencies in the community to help address homeless and affordable housing issues. The newly named Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention distributed the dollars and will now lead the County’s response efforts and work with other departments and agencies to mitigate public health hazards associated with this crisis.

The number of people known to be experiencing homelessness in Thurston County on any given day has risen significantly in the past year. On January 26, 2018, 835 persons were counted in the annual Point in Time Census, which provides a snapshot of homelessness in our community. Thirty-eight percent of those counted were families with children.

Almost 40% of people experiencing homelessness are also unsheltered, which puts them at risk for serious long-term health problems, including severe illness and even death. Chronic health conditions and physical disabilities were the most commonly reported experiences of those without housing surveyed. The resolution notes that nearly one third of those counted were people of color, indicating the presence of racial disparities that need to be further addressed along with other underlying causes of homelessness such as the high cost of housing and domestic violence. The resolution also states the need for supportive housing options for people with substance use disorders and mental illness. 

The Board also directed Schelli Slaughter, Administrator to the Board of Health and Director of Public Health and Social Services, to prioritize this issue and seek approval to hire a homeless response coordinator who will serve the entire county. This position will work in partnership with the City of Olympia’s homeless response coordinator to implement actions recommended in the forthcoming Thurston County Homeless Housing Plan.

The County is also convening the Hazardous Weather Task Force. The taskforce has declared November 1-April 30 the cold weather season, and is implementing a county-wide Hazardous Weather “Code Blue” Plan to increase shelter capacity to prevent illness and death related to hazardous weather conditions for vulnerable unsheltered populations.

Opioids:

Washington State and Thurston County are currently experiencing an opioid epidemic leading to preventable deaths that involve both prescription opioids and heroin. Thurston County ranks 15th of 39 counties in Washington State opioid-related hospitalizations, and 29th of 39 counties for opioid-related deaths in Washington State.

Misuse of prescription opioids, including dependency, overdose, and opioid-related deaths, have contributed to the epidemic across the United States, Washington State, and Thurston County. This epidemic has lasting and serious health impacts on individuals, their families, and the community. The Board of Health identified this as a health crisis, as well as a top priority and county-wide concern.

The Board directed Schelli Slaughter, Public Health and Social Services Director, to convene a Thurston County Opioid Response Task Force to develop and implement a community-driven response plan to address the opioid epidemic. This task force will report the progress of this plan on a biannual basis to the Board of Health. The Board asked that the plan include the following goals:   

• ·         Prevent opioid misuse, abuse, and dependency by improving prescribing practices.
• ·         Treat opioid abuse and dependency through expanded access to treatment.
• ·         Prevent deaths from overdose by working to educate and expand the distribution of Naloxone to individuals who use heroin, and educate individuals and family members about the signs of an overdose.
• ·         Use existing data and enhance data collection efforts to detect opioid and other illicit drug misuse/abuse and scientific evidence to inform the selection of strategies. 
• ·         Identify and implement innovative strategies that reduce the risk of individuals and diverse communities disproportionally impacted by the opioid epidemic and that reduce stigma.

Thurston County Medical Equipment Bank Available To The Public

Did you know that Thurston County has a medical equipment bank that's open to the public? It's true! Anyone who needs medical equipment (that the bank has available) can borrow it for FREE for as long as they need it. Just return it when you're done. They also take donations of medical equipment. Some examples of equipment carried by the Thurston County Medical Equipment Bank are:

Wheelchairs Portable Commodes Transfer Benches Shower Benches Walkers Hospital Beds Crutches Canes C-Pap machines SO much more!

When You Prepare--Don't Forget Your Pet!

June is Pet Preparedness month! Ready.gov has lots of great videos that can help you get prepared in case of a disaster, but this one is really woofwhile. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMtY_qhMne4&feature=youtu.be 

Sexual Assault is a Widespread Issue in Thurston County

Sexual assault is more widespread than most people realize. Learning more about how to prevent assault, and what resources are available if you, or someone you love, has been assaulted, is an important first step. Start with the latest Health Matters column by Dr. Wood in The Olympian:
 http://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article211970814.html

Toxic Algae Warning for Summit Lake Lifted

County

Commissioners

John Hutchings - District One

Gary Edwards - District Two

Bud Blake - District Three

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Thursday, May 17, 2018

CONTACT:  Media: Gabby Byrne, Public Information Specialist (360) 867-2514 or

byrneg @co.thurston.wa.us

Residents: (360) 867-2645

Toxic Algae Warning for Summit Lake Lifted

Lake samples have been below the level of concern for two consecutive weeks

OLYMPIA –  Thurston County Public Health has lifted the toxic algae-related warning for Summit Lake. Sample results for the last two weeks show that Anatoxin-a concentrations in the water are less than one microgram per liter, the level of public health concern.

The sample taken on May 13, 2018 had Anatoxin-a at 0.59 ug/L, below the level of public health concern for the second consecutive week. The results for the first sample taken on Monday, May 7, 2018 showed toxin levels were at 0.076 micrograms per liter.

Since April 24, Summit Lake has been under a toxic algae alert recommending not drinking or using the lake water for the roughly 400 homes that surround the lake.

Health Department staff will monitor the lake for toxin producing algae blooms only when residents report a new algae bloom. Residents can sign up for email updates and advisories for Summit Lake by calling Thurston County Public Health at (360) 867-2626.

“It’s important for residents of all our lakes to understand that algae blooms tend to increase in the summer months, when the weather is warmer,” said Art Starry, Environmental Health Division Director. “While science doesn’t yet know what makes an algae bloom become toxic, we do see patterns that indicate people should use extra caution in the warmer months. A catch phrase that may help is, ‘when in doubt—stay out.’”

Residents should flush their water systems any time an algae alert is lifted, prior to drinking from their taps. Instructions on how to do this are on the Thurston County Summit Lake Toxic Algae web page here: https://bit.ly/2ohXydE

For more information about blue-green algae and the County lakes program, visit the County’s Blue-Green Algae Advisories website.

Healthy Homes Program Vendor List

A great new resource is coming to Thurston County! It's the Healthy Homes Program Vendor List. There are some great training opportunities coming up for vendors who provide home repair and home improvement services. Learn more here. 

Alert Still In Place: New Summit Lake Results For Friday May 11, 2018

This update is for Friday, May 11, 2018.

Summit Lake has a toxic algae bloom.  Thurston County Health Department issued a health advisory for residents who use the lake for drinking water, recommending that no one should drink the lake water, or use the water for household water uses.  Filtration, boiling, and other water treatment methods do not remove or deactivate the algae toxin.  

Lab results received today found Anatoxin-a at 0.076 ug/L, below the state advisory level of 1 ug/L. Anatoxin-a is a potent neurotoxin that is fast-acting, and which can cause serious illness, or even death. The health alert for Summit Lake will remain in place until samples are within safe levels for two consecutive weeks. Testing will continue weekly until the samples are within safe limits for two consecutive weeks. A new sample will be taken on Monday, May 14th, 2018, with results anticipated Friday, May 18^th.

Public Health advises residents and the public that if your source of water comes from the lake, they should not consume the water, or use it to:

·         Mix formula or other food/drink.

·         Rinse food or do dishes.

·         Brush teeth, or bathe.

In addition, Public Health recommends that people:

·         Do not swim or water ski in the lake.

·         Keep pets out of the lake and do not let them drink lake water.

·         Should not eat fish that come from the lake during an algae bloom.

For more information on Summit Lake, visit the Summit Lake Toxic Algae website. For more information about blue-green algae, frequently asked questions, and the County lakes program, visit the County’s Blue-Green Algae Advisories website. You can sign up to receive email algae alerts on the website or by calling 360-867-2645. This information line will be updated when lab results are received. 

Got Picky Eaters?

Want your little eaters to  try more new foods?  Roll up their sleeves and let them help you in the kitchen.  Open their world to a lifetime of self-sufficiency and nutritious foods! 

https://www.eatright.org/food/planning-and-prep/cooking-tips-and-trends/toddler-and-preschooler-tasks-in-the-kitchen

Restaurant Inspections And How To Use Them

Ever wondered what those restaurant inspections by Thurston County Public Health and Social Services really mean--or if you should eat at those restaurants? Well, here's some more information that you can use to make those decisions. 

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2018/05/08/thurston-county-public-health-restaurant-inspection-reports-and-how-to-use-them/ 

Summit Lake Toxic Algae Alert Still In Effect

This update is for Thursday May 3rd, 2018.

Summit Lake has a toxic algae bloom.  Thurston County Health Department issued a health advisory for residents who use the lake for drinking water, recommending that no one should drink the lake water, or use the water for household water uses.  Filtration, boiling, and other water treatment methods do not remove or deactivate the algae toxin.  

Lab results received today show that the algae bloom is producing high levels of Anatoxin-a. Reports show toxin levels at the sample site are 2.47 micrograms per liter. The state recommends against consuming water with more than 1 microgram per liter of Anatoxin-a. Anatoxin-a is a potent neurotoxin that is fast-acting, and which can cause serious illness, or even death.

Public Health advises residents and the public that if your source of water comes from the lake, they should not consume the water, or use it to:

·         Mix formula or other food/drink.

·         Rinse food or do dishes.

·         Brush teeth, or bathe.

In addition, Public Health recommends that people:

·         Do not swim or water ski in the lake.

·         Keep pets out of the lake and do not let them drink lake water.

·         Should not eat fish that come from the lake during an algae bloom.

The health warning for Summit Lake will remain in place until samples are within safe levels for two consecutive weeks. Testing will continue weekly until the samples are within safe limits for two consecutive weeks. A new sample will be taken on Monday, May 7th, 2018, with results expected Friday, May 11^th.

For more information on Summit Lake, visit the Summit Lake Toxic Algae website. For more information about blue-green algae, frequently asked questions, and the County lakes program, visit the County’s Blue-Green Algae Advisories website. You can sign up to receive email algae alerts on the website or by calling 360-867-2645. The Health Department also maintains an updated information line for residents at (360) 709-3080.

Tobacco Products Might Look Different--But They Are Still Unsafe

What Does Public Health Do For You?

Whether it's providing vital documents, or tracking disease, your County Health Department is working hard to protect our community. Learn more in the latest Health Matters column from County Health Officer, Dr. Rachel Wood.

http://www.theolympian.com/news/local/article210036959.html 

Toxic Algae Health Warning In Effect for Summit Lake

 County Commissioners
John Hutchings - District One

Gary Edwards - District Two

Bud Blake - District Three

                        

NEWS RELEASE

_______________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Friday, April 27, 2018

CONTACT: 

Media: Gabby Byrne, Public Information Specialist (360) 867-2514 or byrneg @co.thurston.wa.us

Residents: (360) 867-2645

Toxic Algae Health Warning In Effect for Summit Lake

Toxin levels above the level for health concern

OLYMPIA –Summit Lake has a toxic algae bloom. A resident at Summit Lake reported an algae bloom on the afternoon of April 24, 2018. Thurston County Public Health and Social Services staff sampled the lake, notified the community via the algae alert email list, and posted a caution sign at the boat launch that same day.

Many residents of the Summit Lake community get their drinking water from the lake. Lab results received today show that the algae bloom is producing unsafe levels of Anatoxin-a. Reports show toxin levels at the sample site are 9.95 micrograms per liter. The state advisory level for Anatoxin-a is 1 microgram per liter. Anatoxin-a is a potent neurotoxin that is fast-acting, and can cause serious illness or death.

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services recommends that residents do not drink the lake water. Filtration, boiling, and other water treatment methods do not remove or deactivate the algae toxin. Public Health advises residents and the public that if their source of water comes from the lake, they should not consume the water, or use it to:

·         Mix formula or other food/drink.

·         Rinse food or do dishes.

·         Brush teeth, or bathe.

In addition, Public Health recommends that people:

·         Do not swim or water ski in the lake.

·         Keep pets out of the lake and do not let them drink lake water.

·         Should not eat fish that come from the lake during an algae bloom.

The health warning for Summit Lake will remain in place until samples are within safe levels for two consecutive weeks. Testing will continue until the samples are within safe limits for two consecutive weeks.

For more information on Summit Lake, visit the Summit Lake Toxic Algae website. For more information about blue-green algae, frequently asked questions, and the County lakes program, visit the County’s Blue-Green Algae Advisories website. You can sign up to receive email algae alerts on the website or by calling 360-867-2645. The Health Department also maintains an updated information line for residents at (360) 709-3080.

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Get your business on the new Healthy Homes Vendor List!

Thurston County Healthy Homes Program is creating a new Healthy Homes Vendor List that Thurston County Public Health & Social Services will make available to the public. The list will include home repair and home improvement services like general contracting, pest control, roofing, home inspection, home renovation, weatherization, mold remediation, electrical, and heating, ventilation, & cooling.

To qualify for the list, the company’s staff member(s) in charge of training must take the Healthy Homes Class and professionals must be licensed/registered, bonded, and insured.

Register for one of the upcoming classes!

·         Saturday June 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

·         Friday June 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Lunch is included!

Class Location: Thurston County Public Health 412 Lilly Rd. NE Olympia, WA.

To register call (360) 867-2674 or email HealthyHomes@co.thurston.wa.us. For more information, view the flyer.