Vancouver, Wash. – An online narcotics dealer pled guilty on Thursday to charges related to the distribution of fentanyl analogues and synthetic opioids. Through the guilty plea, Chukwuemeka Okparaeke admitted to selling a synthetic opioid to an 18-year-old Vancouver man who died from an overdose after using the drug.

Okparaeke pled guilty to distributing U-47700, a controlled substance analogue of AH-7921, and other charges in U.S. District Court in White Plains N.Y. Through the guilty plea, Okparaeke admitted to selling U-47700 to Tim N. Teklinski of Vancouver.

Teklinski… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Many traditional Halloween celebrations could increase the risk of spreading COVID-19. But residents can help keep themselves, their loved ones and the community healthy by making small changes to how they celebrate.

COVID-19 activity is increasing in Clark County. The safest way to celebrate Halloween is at home with the people you live with. Do a scavenger hunt with treats hidden around the house or outside. Decorate your living space or patio. Dress up in costumes and watch scary movies. Or host a virtual costume contest with friends.

Some Halloween… Read More

Clark County Public Health’s Green Neighbors program is turning 8 this year, and the public is invited to celebrate in the program’s live virtual event!

Green Neighbors is throwing an online birthday party 3-4:30 pm Saturday, Oct. 17 on Zoom. Register to attend the free party on the Green Neighbors website.

Party attendees can enjoy environmentally themed stories from master storyteller Will Hornyak as he gives life to facts about sustainability, composting… Read More

Clark County Public Health has issued a danger advisory for Lacamas Lake after test results revealed elevated levels of cyanotoxins in the water.

Results from water samples taken Monday from Lacamas Lake at the Heritage Park boat launch revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Danger signs are being posted at the boat launch, entry to Heritage Trail and other public access points to the lake. Public Health is advising against all recreating in the lake, including swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, water skiing,… Read More

Flu season is approaching, and this year it’s more important than ever to get a flu shot. While we don’t yet have a vaccine to prevent COVID-19, we do have a vaccine to prevent influenza.

“Flu shots are the best way to prevent influenza illness and hospitalizations,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer and Public Health director. “By getting a flu shot, we will all do our part to ensure our health care system isn’t overburdened while influenza and COVID-19 are circulating in our community.”

Flu can occur in any month, but transmission primarily occurs October… Read More

Clark County is offering financial support to food establishments impacted by the public health measures implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Clark County Public Health will disburse federal CARES funding to eligible food establishments in the amount paid for their 2020 retail food permit. The permit fees range from $258 to $1,835. Permit fees for 2021 will still apply.

Food establishment owners can use the CARES funding at their discretion toward any operational expenses.

“Local restaurants have been operating in a limited capacity for months or have… Read More

Clark County Public Health has seen a 30% increase in permit applications for onsite sewage system repairs compared to the last two years – another potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There can be many reasons that an onsite septic system can fail, but we suspect that with so many families working and learning together at home that many systems are seeing volumes of wastewater much higher than normal,” said Chuck Harman, Environmental Public Health program manager. “Any onsite septic systems that are older, have not been kept up to date on their inspections and maintenance… Read More

Nearly 300 patients who visited a Salmon Creek chiropractic office last week may have been exposed to COVID-19 and should quarantine immediately.

An employee at Chiro One Wellness Center Salmon Creek, 13800 NE 20th Ave., tested positive for COVID-19 this week. The employee worked while potentially contagious and may have exposed nearly 300 patients who visited the office over four days last week. The employee also exposed the 14 other employees at the wellness center.

All patients who visited the office Sept. 8, Sept… Read More