Why lead is a public health issue and what we’re doing about it

October 25, 2018.Reading time 8 minutes.

If you’ve picked up a newspaper or watched television in the last few years, you’ve probably seen stories about lead poisoning locally and nationally. What’s the deal with lead and why is it a public health issue?

LGBTQ youth talk about healthcare experiences

October 22, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

In a first-of-its-kind effort, King County hospitals reached out to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) youth and young adults to learn about their experiences with healthcare. King County Hospitals for a Healthier Community, which is a collaborative of 11 hospitals and health systems, joined with Public Health – Seattle & King […]

Why Public Health sees a community threat in proposal about immigration

September 25, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

Public Health Director Patty Hayes with other community leaders at a news conference held at International Community Health Services in Seattle on Sept. 25, 2018

The new proposal to amend the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “public charge” test is a threat to the public’s health. “This is inhumane, and it would undermine efforts to improve the overall health of King County—and impact generations to come,” said Patty Hayes, director of Public Health—Seattle & King County, in a news release […]

We can do more to prevent lead poisoning in kids

October 12, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

October is Children’s Environmental Health Month! Oh, you didn’t know? This month may be better known for ghouls and goblins, but our Lead and Toxics Team has put together a series of blog posts that are sure to give you goosebumps. By Chiemeka Ohaebosim, policy developer in the Lead and Toxics program Both the EPA […]

Facebook Live follow-up: Your questions about supervised consumption sites and treatment

June 14, 2017.Reading time 6 minutes.

During a recent Q&A on Facebook LIVE, Dr. Jeff Duchin and Brad Finegood, co-chairs of the Heroin and Prescription Opiate Addiction Task Force, answered some questions about supervised consumption sites (also known as CHELs)—a public health service for people with substance use disorders. CHELs (Community Health Engagement Locations) are one component of a comprehensive approach that […]

Drum roll! And the winner is… Option C!

January 17, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

Look for new food safety ratings in restaurant windows! Starting today, January 17th, restaurants will begin receiving their new food safety rating and window sign as they are routinely inspected. You may not see window signs in your neighborhood restaurant right away since restaurants will be rolled into the new system in four phases throughout […]