News

Public Health News

Clark County Public Health is accepting nominations for the 2025 Green Business Awards, an annual celebration and awards program honoring leaders in environmental sustainability.  

The awards recognize businesses and organizations that incorporate sustainability in their decision-making and practices. Nominations are being accepted in the following award categories: 

  • Sustainability Trailblazer: Business or organization demonstrating exceptional innovation and leadership in driving sustainable practices.  … Read More

Influenza is circulating at increasing levels in Clark County, with the percentage of positive influenza tests increasing significantly in the last month. During the last week of December, 36% of influenza tests were positive, up from 8% one month earlier.

Emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to influenza have also increased significantly in the last month. During the most recent week of data (Dec. 22-28), more than 7% of visits to Clark County emergency departments and 5.5% of county hospitalizations were due to influenza. One month earlier,… Read More


Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s Composter Recycler program is offering a free eight-week certification training for residents interested in learning about low-waste living and sharing sustainability information with the community. 

Upon completion of the training, participants will be certified Composter Recycler volunteers who will then share what they’ve learned at community events throughout the year. The certification training prepares participants to take steps to reduce food waste, compost kitchen scraps and yard debris, replace chemical products… Read More


Clark County residents who are among the millions of people buying natural Christmas trees this holiday season can utilize local recycling options to give their trees purpose long after the holidays are over.   

Recycled Christmas trees are chipped into mulch – a natural and low-cost product that can help conserve water and beautify garden beds and landscaping. When organic waste, like trees, is left to rot in landfills it creates methane, a toxic greenhouse gas.  

Before recycling a natural tree, all lights, tinsel, wire,… Read More


When preparing to gather for a holiday meal consider this: Clark County generates an average 35,000 tons of edible food waste each year. Tossing food in the garbage not only wastes money, but when food reaches landfills, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions that intensify climate change.  

Small changes can have a big impact. By taking simple steps before and after holiday meals, residents can save money at the grocery store and reduce the consequences of wasted food. 

  • Simplify shopping: Food waste prevention… Read More

Clark County Public Health’s Solid Waste Education and Outreach team encourages the community to celebrate this holiday season by properly disposing of items that cannot go in curbside garbage or recycling carts.

The holiday season often means more garbage and more types of waste. Community members can use the RecycleRight app and RecyclingA-Z.com to find local disposal options for hundreds of items, as well as view curbside collection schedules, sign up for service reminders, and receive… Read More


Whooping cough cases continue to soar in Clark County, with 168 cases reported in the first two months of the new school year. Through October, 406 Clark County residents, mostly children, have been diagnosed with whooping cough – the highest number of cases among all counties in Washington.

And Clark County Public Health is now also seeing a rise in chickenpox cases among children, with three schools experiencing outbreaks since late September. So far this year, 50 cases of chickenpox have been reported, with 23 of those cases tied to the school outbreaks. … Read More


The Clark County Board of Health is extending the deadline to submit applications for a Public Health Advisory Council position representing the educational community. The term for the volunteer position begins as soon as it’s filled and ends Sept. 30, 2027. 

The Public Health Advisory Council 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… Read More


When the time comes to remove the pumpkins adorning porches and jack-o’-lanterns illuminating stoops, Clark County Public Health encourages residents to give gourds new life as compost rather than sending them to the landfill. 

Each year after Halloween, about 60% of purchased pumpkins end up in landfills across the United States. In landfills, pumpkins and other organic waste produce methane, a greenhouse gas at least Read More


The Clark County Board of Health is seeking applications from nurses working in Clark County who are interested in serving on the Public Health Advisory Council. The person selected to fill this volunteer position will fill the remainder of an unexpired term beginning Dec. 1, 2024 and ending Sept. 30, 2025.

The Public Health Advisory Council 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-… Read More