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Public Health News

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


Clark County Public Health is urging people to wear face coverings and practice physical distancing during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend.

The number of new COVID-19 cases has plateaued in Clark County after a dramatic increase in cases from late June through mid-July. A recent state report attributes the plateauing number of cases across the state to face covering requirements and the governor’s decision to pause the Safe Start… Read More


Clark County Public Health is upgrading its advisory at Vancouver Lake to danger after test results revealed elevated levels of cyanotoxins in the water. The cyanobacteria bloom continues to cover most of the lake.

Results from water samples taken from Vancouver Lake on Monday revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold levels recommended by the Washington State Department of Health. Given the elevated toxin levels and the extensive cyanobacteria bloom at the lake, Public Health is upgrading its current advisory to danger and advising against all recreation on the lake.

Danger… Read More


Clark County residents can explore 15 local gardens maintained using earth-friendly techniques and hear from the host gardeners during this year’s Natural Garden Tour. But rather than driving to properties across the county, residents can now experience the annual celebration of natural gardening without ever leaving their homes. 

The 15th annual Natural Garden Tour is taking place in an interactive, virtual format this year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour incorporates videos and photos of the properties, as well as interviews with local gardeners, into an… Read More


Vancouver, Wash. – Public Health officials are urging residents to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses during the upcoming hot weather.

The extreme temperatures can create a risk to health and safety.

“Elderly people and young children are especially vulnerable during intense heat,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer. “We encourage everyone to avoid or limit physical activity outdoors, take shelter in air-conditioned buildings and drink plenty of fluids.”

Here are some additional steps to take to prevent heat-related illness:

Read More