Issue 6 Summer 2019

Have a Safe and Healthy Summer

The end of the school year brings graduations, summer vacations and a more laid-back way of life. This change in routine and reduced structure can also make summer a time of stress and anxiety for others in our community. We each play a key role in looking out for one another.

Here are some reminders and resources to help students, friends and families enjoy a safe and stress-free summer. Please print, post and share!

Cali’s Gift; A new program of The TEARS Foundation

Cali’s Gift has been provided by Cali’s family to honor of her life and legacy by helping others. This program will provide financial support for grief counseling and funeral assistance to families where a child (age 13-20) has died due to drug related issues or suicide.

To learn more, visit http://thetearsfoundation.org/calisgift/. This program is currently only for Washington State residents.

About Cali

"Cali was a beautiful, energetic, adventurous, helpful, wonderful child and young woman. Growing up was filled with a never ending desire to be active, always wanting to do something physical, and in particular anything outdoors. Despite the apparent normalcy of her life to many, hers was a conflicted and often contradictory life, with much happiness and many struggles. It was filled with both healthy activities and unhealthy addictions. Shortly after graduation, she chose a path of independence from her family and the steady support provided to her for her sobriety. Ultimately, her struggles and the addiction took hold of her, and her life. We honor Cali’s life through this gift of support to others, so that they know they are not alone.”

Law Change: MMR Vaccine Exemption

The following drop-in newsletter article was composed by the Office of Immunization and CHILD Profile at the Washington State Department of Health. Feel free to share it with your school community in advance of the updates to school and child care immunization requirements outlined in Engrossed House Bill 1638.

In 2019, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill that removes the personal and philosophical option to exempt children from the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine required for school and child care entry. It also requires employees and volunteers at child care centers to provide immunization records indicating they have received the MMR vaccine or proof of immunity.

To help answer questions and share the current status, DOH has created an exemption law change web page at www.doh.wa.gov/MMRexemption. This page contains information and resources on school and child care immunization requirement changes. The page is being updated as more information becomes available.

The recent measles outbreaks in Washington and the ongoing outbreaks across the United States demonstrate why the change to the vaccine exemption law will help keep Washington healthy and safe from three serious diseases. As the new law comes into effect, DOH will continue work in helping parents and the public understand the safety record of vaccines and the critical role they have in saving lives.

Heated Cigarettes: How to avoid getting burned

Heated cigarettes are garnering increased attention as commercial tobacco product manufacturers tout their marketing success abroad and begin introducing the products into the U.S. market. What are they, and what are the health impacts? Read the publication from the Public Health Law Center to learn more.

Not in my House: How to talk to your kids about opioids

The Snohomish Health District is partnering with various school districts to host, “Not in my House: How to talk to your kids about opioids.” The purpose of this event is to educate parents, guardians, and community members on changes in adolescent behavior that could indicate possible drug use. Using a bedroom exhibit (pictured), attendees are allowed to walk through and look for items that could be a sign of drug use.

We end the event with a reveal of what was in the bedroom and a presentation from a panel of speakers.

If your school is interested in hosting an event like this, please contact Pia Sampaga-Khim at psampagakhim@snohd.org or 425-339-5279

Substance Use Prevention Curriculum

Last summer, Pia Sampaga-Khim, our Healthy Communities Specialist focused on opioid prevention, participated in curriculum trainings for Botvin Lifeskills and Too Good for Drugs by the Mendez Foundation. She is trained in programs designed for elementary, middle, and high school audiences. If you are trained and need support or are looking to implement either of these programs in your school, please contact Pia at 425-339-5279 or psampagakhim@snohd.org.

Upcoming Events:

Words Matter: Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide. Tuesday, July 23, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Snohomish Health District, First Floor Auditorium. RSVP to Wendy at wburchill@snohd.org
Opioids Teacher Training: October 2019. Details coming soon.