Vancouver, Wash. – Wildfires are creating unhealthy air quality for much of the region, and residents are urged to take steps to limit their exposure to outdoor air and be alert to local fire danger from excessively dry conditions, wind and heat.

All people in a smoky area, except emergency personnel, should avoid strenuous work, exercise outdoors or driving whenever possible. If driving is necessary, run the air conditioner on the “recycle” or re-circulate mode to avoid drawing smoky air into the vehicle.

Closing up a home by shutting windows and doors can give some… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Public Health officials are urging people to take precautions when air quality is poor and temperatures remain high.

Smoke from widespread wildfires has cause air quality to deterioriate, and residents should be alert to local fire danger from excessively dry conditions, wind and heat.

Smoky air can cause eye, nose and throat irritation and a range of respiratory problems. It can also aggravate existing lung, heart and circulatory conditions such as asthma and angina.

People should avoid physical exertion outdoors if the… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Though not in the path of totality, Clark County will experience a substantial eclipse mid-morning on Monday, Aug. 21.

“The most important thing to remember is to protect your eyes,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Public Health director and Health Officer. “It might be tempting to steal quick glances at the sun, especially as the eclipse nears totality, but even quick glances can cause lasting damage to your vision.”

Ordinary sunglasses don’t provide enough protection for direct sun viewing. If you plan to look at the eclipse, wear solar filter glasses that meet… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health’s Green Business Program will hold a free Morning Blend networking event from 8-9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at Cadet, 2500 W. Fourth Plain Blvd.

In March, Cadet received the 2017 Large Green Business of the Year award for its waste reduction and recycling programs, which led to a 60 percent reduction in landfilled waste.

The Morning Blend event is an opportunity to learn about Cadet’s operational sustainability initiatives from members of its green team, who will discuss ongoing efforts to recycle as much as possible and eliminate… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – With temperatures expected to reach and exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit Tuesday through Friday, Public Health officials are urging residents to take precautions.

“We encourage people to avoid or limit physical activity outdoors, take shelter in air-conditioned buildings, and drink plenty of fluids,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County health officer. “Elderly people and the very young are especially vulnerable during periods of intense or prolonged heat. Don’t forget your pets.”

Public libraries, shopping malls and cinemas are examples of places where… Read More

Vancouver, WA – The Clark County Board of Health is seeking applicants for two positions on the volunteer Clark County Public Health Advisory Council. The positions are open to Clark County residents who are consumers of public health services.

Both openings are for three-year terms that begin Oct. 1, 2017.

The council meets 6-8 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month. The meeting is in the second-floor main conference room at the Center for Community Health, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.

The Public Health Advisory Council makes recommendations to the county… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health’s Green Business Program will hold a free Morning Blend networking event from 8-9 a.m. Thursday, July 20, at New Seasons Market at Fisher’s Landing, 2100 S.E. 164th Ave.

The market received the program’s first-ever Green Business of the Year award in 2016.

The Morning Blend event is an opportunity to learn about the market’s operational sustainability initiatives from members of its green team. Anyone interested in networking and learning about green business practices is welcome to attend.

Space is limited. Please… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County residents will get a chance to wander through 15 diverse natural gardens that showcase earth-friendly gardening techniques during the Green Neighbors Natural Garden Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, July 23.

Booklets with details about the free, self-guided garden tour can be downloaded from www.clarkgreenneighbors.org/gardentour or found at:

• Backyard Bird Shop, 8101 N.E. Parkway Drive, #C5
• Bird’s English Garden & Nursery, 1296 S. Dolan Road… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Even after they light up the night sky, fireworks remain potential sources of fire and worker injury. Improper disposal of fireworks puts waste and recycling workers at increased risk of injury from fires in their trucks and at transfer stations. Fireworks are not recyclable and will contaminate materials that are.

Tips for proper disposal of USED fireworks:

• Do not place ANY fireworks or ANY part of fireworks in your recycling cart. All used fireworks should be treated as garbage and disposed of as follows:
  • Put used… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. ‒ With the arrival of mosquito season, Clark County health officials are urging residents to help prevent mosquitoes from breeding and take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Certain mosquitoes potentially can transmit West Nile Virus. Although the virus has not established itself in the region and there are no reports of it in Washington, things could change.

Meanwhile, here’s how you can help:

Eliminate mosquito habitat around your home

• Drain standing water from old tires, flower pots, plastic tarps, wheelbarrows and anything else.… Read More