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.
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.
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.
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 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.
As winter approaches, you may find yourself driving in the snow, skiing, snowboarding, sledding, ice skating, or giving gifts this season. Get ready with these safety tips from the Violence and Injury Prevention team at Public Health—Seattle & King County.
