Vancouver, Wash. – Environmental Public Health fees will increase in the new year as the department shifts toward fully recovering all program costs.

On Nov. 28, the Clark County Board of Health unanimously approved the 2019 Environmental Public Health fee schedule ordinance. The new fee schedule goes into effect Jan. 1.

The ordinance implements new policy direction from the Board of Health to increase cost recovery on fees and reduce support from the county’s general fund. Currently, the county general fund supports Environmental Public Health work that is considered for… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is working with local health care providers and Washington State Department of Health to investigate a suspected case of acute flaccid myelitis, AFM, in a Clark County child.

The child, who is younger than 6, was hospitalized for sudden onset of paralysis in one arm. The child had symptoms of respiratory illness and fever prior to developing symptoms of AFM. The child is improving. Lab specimens and diagnostic images have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – After the holiday festivities end, Clark County Public Health urges residents to recycle their Christmas trees, rather than sending them to the landfill.

Before trees are recycled, all lights, tinsel, wire, ornaments and stands must be removed. Flocked and artificial trees cannot be recycled and should be disposed of in the garbage.

Waste Connections Inc. will pick up trees with yard debris collection or regular garbage service available in most parts of the county. Trees taller than 5 feet must be cut into smaller sections no longer than 5 feet,… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County is accepting nominations for the annual Green Awards, a Public Health program that recognizes excellence in environmental sustainability.

Clark County Public Health is seeking nominations of organizations and individuals who consider the environment in decision-making and practices. Self-nominations are accepted.

Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:

• Green Business Award for a business with at least 26 employees
• Green Business Award for a business with fewer than 26 employees
• Green… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – American household waste increases by more than 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, contributing an additional 1 million tons per week to landfills.

But by taking a few simple steps to reduce, reuse and recycle, you can make the holiday season a little greener without losing any holiday cheer.

Before the holiday parties and gift-giving begins:

• Send holiday e-cards rather than mailing paper cards. Or make sure the paper cards you buy have recycled content and are recyclable. Recycle holiday cards you receive.
• Give… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Give thanks this holiday season, not foodborne illness.

Every year, one in six Americans is sickened by contaminated food or beverages, often from food that’s not prepared safely. Proper food storage and preparation are important in order to prevent illness.

Don’t take any chances with the health of your family and friends this holiday season. Follow these tips as you prepare for holiday gatherings, and visit the Clark County Public Health Facebook page for more food safety tips throughout the month.… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking applicants for a volunteer position on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission.

The position represents Clark County at-large. The three-year term begins Jan. 1, 2019.

The commission advises the county council on solid waste issues, such as recycling, garbage collection, landfills, transfer stations and waste-reduction programs.

The commission meets at 6 pm on the first Thursday of February, May, August and November. Meetings are at the Center for Community Health, 1601 E Fourth Plain Blvd.

Members of the… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s Green Business program will hold the last Morning Blend networking event of the year from 8-9 am Thursday, Nov. 15 at the Tod and Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute at Clark College, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way.

Morning Blend is an opportunity for business representatives to network and discuss green business efforts in an informal setting. The monthly event is held at different local businesses on the third Thursday.

During this month’s event, attendees will have the opportunity to network and learn about waste reduction and recycling… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Flu viruses are beginning to circulate in the community, making now the perfect time to get a seasonal flu shot if you haven’t already been immunized this year. Flu shots are the best method to prevent flu, hospitalization and missed days of school or work.

Flu can occur in any month, but transmission primarily occurs October through May. Getting immunized now ensures you’re protected once flu activity intensifies.

“It can take up to two weeks for protection to kick in, so you don’t want to wait until flu is widely circulating before you get your shot,”… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health learned Thursday that a company selling septic additives is calling residents, claiming there is an alert about failing septic systems and offering products to clean systems. Public Health has not issued an alert regarding failing septic systems and encourages residents to research products before using them in septic systems.

Additives are commercial products sold under the claim that their use will improve the performance or aesthetics of an on-site sewage treatment system. However, most additives do not have a positive effect on the… Read More