Needle Clean-Up Kits, Opioid Resource Portal Now Available in Snohomish County
Residents and businesses in Snohomish County now have a simpler and safer way to participate in needle clean-up efforts. Starting Wednesday, free kits and needle disposal are available to residents and business owners cleaning up needles found in the community. Read More...
Candlelight Vigil on August 31 for Overdose Awareness
In 2016, Snohomish County lost over 90 people to an opioid overdose. The tragedy of overdose is far too frequent but is ultimately preventable. Overdose prevention, education and recognition play a crucial role in saving lives. Read More...
Possible Exposure to Avian Chlamydiosis at Bothell Bird Store
A pet bird that died has tested positive for a bacterial disease called avian chlamydiosis. Avian chlamydiosis can cause serious disease in birds and also rarely in humans. The bird had been boarded recently at the Wings of the World pet store located in Bothell, with potential exposure to other birds being boarded or available for sale since July 2. The source of the infection is unknown at this time. The Washington State Department of Health, in collaboration with the Snohomish Health District and Public Health – Seattle & King County, is in the process of contacting bird owners to share information needed for monitoring. Read More...
Reports of 37 Opioid Overdoses Within Seven Days in Snohomish County
The Snohomish Health District recently reached out to first responders, medical providers, community leaders, and local partners last month asking for help in collecting data about opioid overdoses. Moving beyond the gathering of historical data, the effort convened representatives from across the county to voluntarily collect real-time data on overdoses for one week and share the results with the Health District. The result: reports of 37 total overdoses in Snohomish County that appeared to be related to opioids, including three deaths. Read More...
Poor Air Quality
The air quality in Snohomish County has been listed as “unhealthy” by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Smoke as a result of several wildfires in Washington and British Columbia is affecting the air quality in the region and it is expected to continue through the week. Read More...
Ribbon Cutting for First Secure Medicine Return Kiosk in Snohomish County
Expanding access to secure medicine disposal programs is a key strategy for preventing prescription drug and heroin abuse. Almost a year after the Snohomish County Board of Health became the eighth in the nation to adopt a countywide secure medicine return ordinance, the installation of drop-off kiosks is underway. The pharmaceutical stewardship program operated by MED-Project will bring more than 20 kiosks online in August, in addition to mail back options available for remote locations and homebound residents. Read More...
Board Selects Dr. Mark Beatty as Health Officer
Following a lengthy recruitment process, the Board of Health unanimously approved an employment agreement with Dr. Mark Beatty to serve as the Snohomish Health District’s next health officer. The selection of Dr. Beatty came after interviews with nine other candidates over the last six months. Read More...
More than Two-Fold Increase in Snohomish County STD Rates in Five Years
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently estimated that there are nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted infections every year in this country. Given these large numbers—and increased cases being reported locally—the Snohomish Health District started pulling together data earlier this year to take a closer look. When looking at reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) from 2011-2016, Snohomish County has had a 40 percent increase in chlamydia, a 112 percent increase in syphilis, and a 243 percent increase in gonorrhea. Read More...
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