New podcast miniseries explores the wide world of septic systems

August 9, 2024.Reading time 6 minutes.

Join us in listening to our first three-episode miniseries of Bridging the Gap, an environmental public health podcast. This series explores the wide world of septic systems.

Oceania Youth Health Summit – Island Roots and Global Impact

July 18, 2024.Reading time 28 minutes.

300 people from the Pacific Islander community came together for the second annual Oceania Youth Health Summit on May 24 in Federal Way. It was a day of learning, resource sharing, food, inspiration, community, and cultural celebration.

Substance use prevention and early intervention: Key steps to reduce harm and prevent use before it starts

July 19, 2023.Reading time 13 minutes.

Close up of two people holding each others hands in comfort

Substance use disorders continue to impact people from all walks of life. As the understanding and science of addiction evolves, so too does our understanding of ways to prevent substance use disorder and increase support for communities. As a follow up to the blog post on substance use disorder treatment, we are taking a closer look at prevention.

Providing support and care for people with substance use disorder: Treatment access in King County

June 7, 2023.Reading time 11 minutes.

Photo of two people sitting facing each other and holding hands. Their faces are not shown.

In 2021, there were over 106,600 deaths due to drug overdose in the U.S.—the highest on record. This reality is felt across the country, including here in King County, where we’ve seen a rise in substance use and overdose deaths. In the face of these tragic impacts, it is important to know where to get help and how to support someone in your community.

Celebrating the opening of a new school-based health center at Highline High School

May 3, 2023.Reading time 6 minutes.

School-based health centers offer a broad range of health care supports for students that may otherwise be difficult to access in their communities. At the health centers, overseen by Public Health—Seattle & King County, students can get mental health care, immunizations, family planning, and other care in the context of a school environment.

Poison is so 1980s: How to protect your children and pets from rodent poisons

October 26, 2022.Reading time 10 minutes.

Wild rats and mice living too close to humans threaten our health. They can contaminate food, spread disease, damage property, and cause electrical fires. It makes good sense to keep rodents away from our homes. However, there are safe – and less safe ways – to get rid of them.

Many people’s first instinct is to use rodenticides – also known as rat or mouse bait – to poison the intruders. Unfortunately, misuse and overuse of these poisons are common and can harm children and pets.