King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson appoint Dr. Sandra Valenciano to lead Public Health – Seattle & King County

March 25, 2026.Reading time 4 minutes.

Portrait of Dr. Sandra Valenciano posing outdoors. She has long brown hair, glasses and is smiling.

Today, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson appointed Dr. Sandra Valenciano to serve as the Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County. Dr. Valenciano currently serves as Acting Director for the department.

World TB Day: A conversation with Public Health’s TB Officer

March 23, 2026.Reading time 12 minutes.

An X-ray of the chest of a man with tuberculosis. The areas infected with TB bacteria are colored red. Science Photo Library/Corbis

We rarely hear about someone being sick with tuberculosis (TB) – much less dying from it – here in King County. And yet, Public Health has an entire program and clinic dedicated to TB.

In light of King County Board of Health recognizing tomorrow, March 24, as World Tuberculosis Day, we sat down for a Q&A with Public Health’s Dr. Caitlin Reed, the Medical Officer for Public Health’s TB Program, so we can learn more about this local public health success story.

Measles case in traveler with possible exposures at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

March 20, 2026.Reading time 6 minutes.

Leer en español Public Health – Seattle & King County was notified of a confirmed measles case in a Canadian resident who traveled through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)) on March 9, 2026. The individual’s vaccination status is unknown. If you are not immune to measles or don’t know your vaccination status, and were at the airport on March 9, please visit our measles webpage for specific information about potential areas […]

King County Community Health Improvement Plan: Building relationships, removing barriers, and centering community voice

March 9, 2026.Reading time 9 minutes.

Grupo de miembros de la comunidad en un gran espacio de reunión de CHIP. Mucha gente levanta la mano.

The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is bringing together communities across King County to address health inequities through collaboration, trust, and shared responsibility. Through this process, community members, organizations, and public health leaders are working side by side to identify what matters most and how to move forward together.

TB evaluation at Rainier Beach High School

February 24, 2026.Reading time 6 minutes.

Red oblongs - TB germs under a microscope

Public Health – Seattle & King County is following up on the confirmation of an individual associated with Rainier Beach High School, in Seattle, who was diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB). Public Health is working with Rainier Beach High School to define the extent of any potential TB exposures and supporting the school as Public Health conducts evaluations for those exposed and provides guidance and information to staff, students and families.

Healthy beginnings start with educators: Inside the Child Care Health Program

February 20, 2026.Reading time 9 minutes.

Every parent wants to know their child is safe, and every educator wants to feel ready to provide that safety, whether its keeping classrooms clean and healthy day to day or knowing what to do in an emergency. That is where the Child Care Health Program (CCHP) steps in. With a dedicated team of nurses, mental health clinicians, a nutritionist, and educator consultants, the CCHP works alongside providers to make sure every child has a caring, supportive place to learn and grow.