Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County ranks 14th among Washington’s 39 counties in overall health status and 12th in health factors such as individual behavior, quality of health care, education and jobs, access to healthy food and air quality, according to the 2017 County Health Rankings report released today by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

“These rankings are relative to other counties and while they fluctuate somewhat year to year, they have… Read More

Vancouver, WA – At Thursday night’s Green Awards celebration, County Manager Mark McCauley presented awards to six businesses and community members for their commitment to reduce harmful environmental impacts, educate others and give back to the community. The winners are:

Steve Horton, Alki Middle School - Green Apple Award for a school employee 
Steve inspires Alki students as leader of the environmental club. He transformed Alki’s recycling and composting program, encouraging all students to participate through fun events and contests.

Vancouver, WA – Clark County’s Green Business program will host a free Morning Blend networking event from 8-9 a.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Habitat for Humanity Store, 10811 S.E. Second St.

The Clark County Habitat for Humanity Store is a discount home-improvement outlet that sells donated building material, appliances, furniture and other products. The store is a source of financing for local Habitat for Humanity home-building projects and is a hub for reuse and recycling.

Hear about the store’s mission and how… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – County residents are invited to take part in a three-week challenge to promote waste reduction and sustainable living. The challenge starts Friday, March 10, and is sponsored by Public Health’s Green Neighbors Program.

Residents are encouraged to take the WasteBusters pledge online and decrease the amount of material that goes into landfills by committing to at least one of three waste-busting actions:

• Recycle all accepted items in the curbside recycling cart
• Use reusable beverage containers for to-go drinks
• Plan your meals and… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is seeking nominations for the annual Public Health Community Award, which recognizes both a local individual and organization for outstanding contributions in promoting and protecting community health.

Nomination forms are available at www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/community-award-nomination.  Completed forms can be submitted online, by mail or in person. Details are on the form.

Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 5.

“This… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Residents of the Hazel Dell area and west Vancouver now have a more convenient place to take used or leftover paint: Filbin’s Ace Hardware. The store has joined the county’s Paint Take-Back program and accepts latex and oil-based paint for recycling, for free.

Ten local paint stores now accept used or leftover paint during business hours. They are:

• Filbin’s Ace Hardware, 809 N.E. Minnehaha St.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 10811 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd.
• Miller Paint, 14300 N.E. 20th Ave.
• Miller Paint, 9609 N.E. 117th Ave… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – People interested in ensuring the best start for every Clark County child are encouraged to attend four community cafés this winter and spring. Each event includes the screening of an episode from the documentary, The Raising of America: Early Childhood and the Future of Our Nation, followed by a community discussion.

“We hope these events will spur conversation and collective problem solving for our community,” said Cyndie Meyer, program manager. “People may not agree with everything in the film, but by sharing ideas and working together, we can make our… Read More

Residents with flu-like illness asked to contact their doctor first
 

Vancouver, WA – As influenza spreads, residents experiencing flu-like illness are asked to first contact their health care provider before visiting a hospital on their own. This will reduce overcrowding, help prevent the spread of flu to others, and ensure emergency departments are able to treat other serious medical conditions.

“Most people who have the flu will be very uncomfortable but do not need to go to an emergency department,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health Officer and… Read More

Vancouver, WA – With low temperatures and high winds expected through the weekend, health and emergency management officials are urging seniors and other at-risk populations to protect themselves from cold exposure and homeless people to seek shelter.

“Prolonged exposure to cold eventually will use up your body’s stored energy, resulting in hypothermia or abnormally low body temperature,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health Officer/Public Health director. “This affects the brain, making hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may be unaware of their condition and… Read More