Thurston County Public Health has issues an indefinite extension of code blue through the Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention. To learn more, read the news release here:
https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/tchome/pages/newsreleasedetail.aspx?List-ID=1936
Showing posts with label News Release. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News Release. Show all posts
Thursday, February 7, 2019
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Thurston County Environmental Health Fee Increase Approved
- Improving customer service quality
- Reducing permit backlog times for customers
- Reducing overtime costs
- Decreasing deferred/delayed work
https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/tchome/pages/newsreleasedetail.aspx?List-ID=1926
Friday, August 31, 2018
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:
Thursday, June 14, 2018
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.
Friday, May 18, 2018
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
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.
Friday, April 27, 2018
Toxic Algae Health Warning In Effect for Summit Lake
County CommissionersJohn Hutchings - District One
Gary Edwards - District Two
Bud Blake - District Three
NEWS RELEASE
_______________________________________FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 27, 2018
CONTACT:
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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Thursday, March 29, 2018
Results of the 2018 Thurston County Homeless Census Released
County Commissioners
John Hutchings - District One
Gary Edwards - District Two
Bud Blake - District Three
NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT: Anna
Schlecht, Homeless Census Coordinator—City of Olympia, (360) 753-8183 or aschlech@ci.olympia.wa.us
Results of the 2018 Thurston County Homeless Census
Released
OLYMPIA – Results
are in from the recent Point in Time (PIT) Count of Homeless People, also known
as the annual Homeless Census. While great strides have been made in providing
more housing, social services, and other resources, it appears that
homelessness in Thurston County has increased significantly.
As shown on the 2018
Resource Utilization Progress Chart 2006-2018, 828 people were identified as
homeless on the day of the PIT Homeless Census with 324 of those identified as
living unsheltered. This represents a 43% increase since last year overall and
constitutes the second highest count since the PIT Homeless Census began in
2006. All existing shelter and transitional housing resources are being used,
with an average of more than 100% occupancy.
“The results of the
latest census are extremely alarming, and indicate that we are in the midst of
a major homeless and affordable housing crisis in our community,” said Schelli
Slaughter, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Director. “This is
going to take a coordinated response effort and more resources than we
currently have. The record numbers of those living outdoors without safe,
stable housing is a great public health and humanitarian concern, and we know
that the problem is likely even larger than we were able to capture in this
survey.”
The Annual Thurston
County Homeless Census was conducted on January 25, 2018 as part of a
nationwide “Point in Time” (PIT) Count of Homeless People” that determines who
is homeless and why. This initial report presents the raw numbers of people
found to be homeless during the PIT Homeless Census with a 3% margin of error. The
final report will be released in May 2018 and will provide more detailed
information on demographics, the causes of homelessness and an assessment of
the resources available to help people find housing stability. The results of
this annual Homeless Census will be used to chart the County’s progress in its
soon to be released homeless housing plan.
Thurston County
provided funding to contract with the City of Olympia to conduct the annual
Homeless Census this year. Census volunteers and guides were used to provide
resources to those in need and also to improve the accuracy of this year’s
count. “Hundreds of volunteers, including nonprofits, individuals, staff, my
fellow commissioners, and other elected officials worked together to make this year’s
count a success. It was amazing and humbling to see so many people come
together to support this effort and to see firsthand the magnitude of need in
our community,” said Commissioner Bud Blake.
Background on the Thurston County
Homeless Census
Once a year in January,
all Washington counties conduct a “Point in Time” count of homeless persons as
mandated by the State of Washington’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Act (RCW
43.185C.030).
The Act requires each
County to “make every effort to count all
homeless individuals living outdoors, in shelters, and in transitional housing,
coordinated when reasonably feasible, with already existing homeless census
projects including those funded in part by the US Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) under the McKinney-Vento homeless assistance program.”
Locally, the results of
this census are compiled into the County’s annual “Point in Time Count of
Homeless Persons Report”, often referred to as the annual homeless census
report. This homeless census report serves to:
· Provide an accurate count of homeless people, the causes of their homelessness, and
other demographic information;
·
Quantify needs based on numbers of homeless people,
which in turn brings in federal and state dollars to provide homeless shelter,
transitional housing and other services;
·
Assess resources currently available; and
·
Analyze needs and resource gaps to serve as the basis for local
strategic responses to homelessness.
Census results are also
reported to the state and federal governments to ensure a proportionate level
of public funding for local shelters, transitional housing, and related
supportive services. These numbers help to create the most accurate picture of
homelessness throughout our state and across our nation. Locally, census
results are shared with all community stakeholders— policy makers, funders,
service providers, concerned citizens, and the homeless themselves.
For more information on
the results of the 2018 PIT Homeless Census, please contact: Anna Schlecht,
Homeless Census Coordinator, at aschlech@ci.olympia.wa.us, or call 360.753.8183.
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Resource Fair for People with Developmental Disabilities
County Commissioners
John Hutchings - District One
Gary Edwards - District Two
Bud Blake - District Three
NEWS RELEASE
________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, February 27, 2018
CONTACT: Anne Butigan, Developmental Disabilities Program, (360)867-2520, or email at butigaa@co.thurston.wa.us
Resource Fair for People with Developmental Disabilities
Event
is free and open to the public
OLYMPIA – Private,
non-profit, and governmental organizations will come together for the 21st
Annual Thurston/Mason County Resource Fair for people with special needs and
their families.
The Resource Fair
will provide individuals and families with information on a wide range of
services available in Thurston and Mason Counties, for a variety of ages.
High school students
with a developmental disability and their parent/guardian may be most
interested in learning about “life after high school”. However, families with younger children with
special needs are encouraged to attend and gather information to help them
prepare for the high school years and beyond.
“This event will
provide individuals and families with the resources they need, as well as
promote community connections and opportunities,” said Jennifer Popchockhakim,
Developmental Disabilities Program Manager.
What: 21st Annual Thurston/Mason
County Resource Fair
When: Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Labor & Industries Building, 7273 Linderson Way, Tumwater WA
Light refreshments
will be served; the event is free and open to the public.
For more
information, contact Anne Butigan at (360) 867-2520; online information is
available at http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ssdd/index.html
To request disability accommodations call the Reasonable
Accommodation Coordinator at least three days prior to the meeting at
360-786-5440. Persons with speech or hearing disabilities may call via
Washington Relay: 711 or 800-833-6388.
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Friday, February 2, 2018
Thurston County Awarded Spolight For Progress in National Challenge
County Commissioners
John Hutchings - District One
Gary Edwards - District Two
Bud Blake - District Three
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE: 1 February 2018
CONTACT: Chris
Hawkins, Community Engagement, Evidence & Partnerships, (360) 867-2513 or hawkinc@co.thurston.wa.us
Thurston County Awarded Spotlight for Progress in National
Challenge
Project
aims to boost physical activity through improved community design.
OLYMPIA – Thurston County has been
selected to receive $25,000 as part of the Healthiest Cities & Counties
Challenge (the Challenge) Spotlight Award for its “Active Design for a
Healthier Community” project. Ten winners and five honorable mentions were
selected to improve opportunities for all Americans to take an active role in
healthy living – regardless of income, education or ethnic background.
The award is part
of the Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge, an initiative launched in
2016 by the Aetna Foundation, along with the American Public Health Association
(APHA) and the National Association of Counties (NACo), supporting
small-to-midsize cities and counties to implement innovative solutions for
their local public health issues. The $1.5 million
“Challenge” competition is awarded among communities around the U.S. for
programs to improve access to healthy foods, increase physical activity and
reduce violence and crime. 50 finalists were chosen based on strategies to
improve the health of their communities in at least one of five areas: healthy
behaviors, community safety, built environment, social/economic factors and
environmental exposures.
The Thurston Thrives
Community Design Action Team project focuses on identifying and supporting
improvements to Thurston County’s regional trails, to make them more accessible
for people living nearby to use. It’s part of an overall strategy to make daily
physical activity easier for local residents, boosting their levels of exercise
(30 minutes per day for adults, 60 minutes per day for children and youth). The
project has posted its results at Thurston County Public Health & Social
Services website: http://bit.ly/2eZeQ7J. These include
places where trail access paths are needed, number of nearby residents or
employees, and locations for benches, signs and other improvements.
“This award recognizes the great partnerships at
the heart of Thurston Thrives, and our continuing efforts to build a healthier
community,” said Schelli Slaughter, Director of the County’s Public Health
& Social Services Department. “The Community Design team and other local
partners are working hard to make it easy, enjoyable and safe to go for a walk
or engage in active transportation, so residents can get more healthy activity
every day.”
For more information on the Spotlight Awards, the
recognized organizations and the Challenge, visit www.healthiestcities.org. Information on the local team’s work will be shared at the
February 13 Board of Health meeting and at a regional active community design
forum in March.
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