Health Officer Statement on Extreme Heat

June 27, 2021.Reading time 2 minutes.

person pouring water on their face in hot sun

Dr. Jeff Duchin, Health Officer for Public Health — Seattle & King County, issued the following statement in response to the current extreme heat event in our region: The record-shattering extreme heat we’re experiencing is just the latest example of our climate crisis and how it’s impacting human health now. Extreme heat is the leading […]

As Drowning Deaths Doubled in King County in 2020, Water Safety Is More Important Than Ever

June 24, 2021.Reading time 5 minutes.

With hot summer days comes an increased desire to cool off in the region’s pools, beaches, rivers, and lakes. But in 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic pushed more people towards outdoor activities, King County saw drowning deaths double compared to 2018. Thirty-three people lost their lives in King County waters last year, nearly 70% of which occurred in open water incidents and drowning continues to be the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children and teens.

Taking an upstream approach to preventing LGBTQ youth cannabis use

June 14, 2021.Reading time 8 minutes.

In King County, LGBTQ youth report the highest rates of marijuana use, which may be connected to anxiety and depression. Public Health’s partner @GayCity takes an upstream approach to preventing marijuana use among LGBTQ youth.

Time for menthol to go: the tobacco industry’s long history of racist marketing and the local youth voices driving for change

April 28, 2021.Reading time 8 minutes.

Despite research outlining the dangers of menthol cigarettes, menthol has been excluded from tobacco flavor bans. Read why tobacco is a social justice issue and how a ban on menthol would reduce health disparities and save lives.

With more cars (and pedestrians) on the roads, let’s prevent distracted driving

April 16, 2021.Reading time 3 minutes.

It feels like a year since big yellow school buses were last meandering around our streets – because it really has been a year in many communities. Do you remember the laws about passing a stopped school bus?

One Year of Tobacco and Vapor 21

January 15, 2021.Reading time 5 minutes.

One year ago, Washington State kicked off 2020 with a major accomplishment in the tobacco prevention world: the implementation of the Tobacco and Vapor 21 law (TV21 or T21). Last year on January 1, it became illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under 21 years of age.