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

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is looking for its next class of sustainability ambassadors. The Master Composter Recycler program is now accepting applications for a no-cost 10-week training program that begins in January.

Master Composter Recyclers educate the community about easy ways to reduce waste and recycle right. Program volunteers host backyard composting workshops, share their knowledge at community events, and operate composting demonstration sites.

Those who are interested in becoming a Master Composter Recycler can register for the 10-week… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has added Lacamas Lake to the blue-green algae advisory issued Tuesday afternoon for nearby Round Lake.

The public should avoid direct contact with water at Round Lake and Lacamas Lake in Camas due to cyanobacteria blooms, also known as blue-green algae. Blue-green algae produce toxins that can be harmful to people and deadly for small pets that drink the water.

A citizen reported a bloom at Round Lake earlier this week. Public Health collected water samples from Round Lake on Tuesday afternoon and posted caution signs at the… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Board of Health is requesting applications for a volunteer position on the Mosquito Control District Board of Trustees.

The position represents residents living in east Clark County. Applicants must live within the Position 2 boundaries, which include portions of east Vancouver, the cities of Camas and Washougal, and unincorporated areas of east Clark County. For a map of position boundaries, visit the Board of Trustees website.

The position term… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is advising the public to avoid direct contact with water at Round Lake in Camas due to a cyanobacteria bloom, also known as blue-green algae.

Blue-green algae produce toxins that can be harmful to people and deadly for small pets that drink the water. Public Health collected water samples from Round Lake on Tuesday afternoon and is awaiting results to determine if toxins are in the water.

Health officials are recommending:

• No water contact for people in areas of scum.
• Keep pets away from lake water.… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health’s Green Neighbors program is turning 6 this year, and the public is invited to help celebrate!

Green Neighbors is throwing a birthday party 2-4 pm Sunday, Oct. 28 at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 SE Columbia Way. Register to attend the free party at www.clarkgreenneighbors.org/birthday.

In addition to fun giveaways and prizes, the party will feature a special guest: Portland blogger Jenica Barrett of… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s Green Business program will hold a Morning Blend networking event 8-9 am Thursday, Oct. 18 at New Seasons Market, 2100b SE 164th Ave.

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.

For the October event, New Seasons staff will give a presentation about their green solutions and innovative, community-focused programs.

This free event is open to all Green Business… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health now is providing more permit services online, saving residents and business owners from making a trip to the department office.

Throughout the summer, Public Health has rolled out several new features on its website that allow users to submit permit applications, renewals and payments online. Beginning in June, people seeking permits for temporary food establishments could submit applications online. Since then, more than half of those applications have been submitted electronically.

Beginning Sept. 1, food establishment and… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Board of Health is seeking applicants for a position on the volunteer Public Health Advisory Council.

The board is accepting applications from Clark County residents representing the educational community. The three-year term begins as soon as the position is filled and ends Sept. 30, 2021.

The council meets 6-8 pm on the third Tuesday of every month. The meetings are in the main conference room on the second floor of the Center for Community Health, 1601 E Fourth Plain Blvd.

The Public Health Advisory Council makes… Read More