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Public Health News

This holiday season Clark County Public Health urges residents to safely dispose of batteries – and doing so just got easier! Several retail stores across Clark County are now accepting batteries for safe disposal at no charge. 

Batteries that end up in household garbage or inside of recycling carts can explode, posing significant fire risks during transportation and at transfer stations. These fires can cause serious harm to sanitation workers and can damage costly equipment at Clark County transfer stations.

The new battery disposal sites accept a variety of… Read More


The Clark County Board of Health has extended the application period for the Public Health Advisory Council position held by a dentist practicing in Clark County. The three-year term for the volunteer position begins as soon as it’s filled and ends Sept. 30, 2026.

The Public Health Advisory Council typically meets 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except the month of December. One meeting each quarter will be in-person at locations across the county. Members may also join council committees that… Read More


Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has lifted its algae advisory at Lacamas Lake. The bloom of cyanobacteria at the lake dissipated and is no longer present.

The warning signs posted at the lake are being removed. Educational signs about harmful algae will remain year-round at Lacamas Lake and other waterbodies known to have harmful algal blooms. Public Health encourages people recreating in the lakes to continue to watch for floating scum and avoid direct contact with water in those areas.

Public Health has concluded its routine monitoring of Lacamas Lake and… Read More


Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has issued a warning advisory for Lacamas Lake due to elevated levels of cyanotoxins from harmful algae.

Results from water samples taken from Lacamas Lake on Tuesday, Oct. 17 revealed cyanotoxins above the threshold level recommended by the Washington Department of Health. Warning signs are being placed at public access points at the lake.

Cyanotoxins can be harmful to people, especially young children, and deadly for small pets that drink the water. When a warning advisory is in place, health officials recommend:


The Clark County Board of Health has extended the application period for an open position on the volunteer Public Health Advisory Council.

The Board of Health is seeking applicants for the position held by a dentist practicing in Clark County. The three-year term begins as soon as it’s filled and ends Sept. 30, 2026.

The Public Health Advisory Council typically meets 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except the month of December. One meeting each quarter will be in-person at locations… Read More


Clark County Green Neighbors is celebrating the program’s anniversary with a free cooking class for the community. Participants will learn ways to reduce food waste and become part of a community dedicated to sustainable cooking. 

Join educators from Clark County Green Neighbors and WSU Clark County Extension SNAP-ED program for Scrappy Cooking 2-3:30 pm Sunday, Oct. 22 at the Vancouver Community Library Columbia Room, 901 C St. Advance registration for the event is requested, but not required. Register on the Green… Read More


Clark County Public Health’s Vital Records office is making changes to its regular office hours. Here are the new customer service hours beginning Monday, Oct. 9, 2023:

  • By phone: 8:30 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday
  • In person: 8 am to 4 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Closed to in-person services on Tuesday.

Orders for birth and death certificates can also be placed online or by mail; details for ordering certificates are available on the Public Health website. Appointments for in-… Read More


As colorful leaves begin to fall from trees, Clark County Public Health is encouraging residents to properly dispose of leaves to keep them out of streets and the landfill.

Leaves should not be raked or blown into streets. Fallen leaves can clog storm drains and create areas of standing water on roadways, making roads unsafe for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. Instead, Public Health encourages residents to take advantage of local disposal options that use leaves to create compost.

Leaves are a nutrient-rich, biodegradable material. But each year, millions of pounds of… Read More


Clark County Public Health’s Vital Records office will be closed Thursday, Oct. 5 to perform testing of the office’s new records management system. All other Public Health offices will be open regular hours.

The Vital Records office will reopen at 8 am Friday, Oct. 6. Orders for birth and death certificates can continue to be made online through the Public Health website.


Clark County Public Health’s Composter Recycler program is offering a series of free online and in-person workshops aimed at teaching participants how to reduce their impact on the planet.

The Composter Recyclers will host eight workshops – each focused on a specific topic, from backyard composting to green living – and two in-person field training events where participants can construct compost piles and view demonstration compost bins. All workshops are provided at no cost.

Here are the online and in-person workshops offered this fall: