Westport Emergency Cold Weather Shelter FAQ

Westport Emergency Cold Weather Shelter FAQ

Q: Who operates the shelter in Westport?

A: The Westport shelter is operated by Chaplains on the Harbor.

Q: How long has the shelter in Westport been in operation?  What are the hours of operation?

A: The Westport shelter has been in operation this season since November 2022 and is open 8

p.m. to 7 a.m. seven days a week. Services will be available through March 31, 2023.

Q: How long was the shelter in Westport operating prior to this season?

A: The Westport location has offered seasonal emergency cold weather services for the last five

years.

Q: Why is the Westport shelter receiving more people than in past years?

A:  There has been more traffic at this Westport shelter this season than previous seasons

      because of the lack of an emergency cold weather shelter elsewhere in the county.

     Also, with implementation of a shelter in the central Grays Harbor area delayed, the Board of

     County Commissioners asked Public Health to bring forward options to mitigate the effects of

     cold weather on unsheltered residents. In December 2022 Public Health presented three 

     options, including expanding the bed capacity at the Westport shelter.

From there, the Board of County Commissioners, at its January 3, 2023, meeting, authorized

a request by Chaplains on the Harbor for an additional $45,000 to increase the bed capacity

at the Westport shelter by 10, bringing the total number of beds to 25.

Q:  What is the cost of the shelter in Westport, and the additional cost of offering more beds?

A:  The total contract with the recent additional $45,000 is $167,804 paid for through an

      Emergency Solutions Coronavirus Grant from the State of Washington. The additional

      $45,000 pays for three FTEs (shelter staff, security, and manager), utilities, supplies and

      administration costs.

Q: What is Chaplains on the Harbor’s responsibility for maintaining the shelter in Westport?

A: As part of its contract, Chaplains on the Harbor has been working diligently and closely with

     the City of Westport to ensure that everything is up to code at the shelter and that all efforts

     are made to mitigate impacts on the community. At the time the shelter opened, the shelter 

     was in compliance with the City of Westport requirements.

Westport cold weather shelter

January 20, 2023

For immediate release

Westport Cold Weather Shelter

The emergency cold weather shelter in Westport has been serving the county’s unsheltered for five years. Managed by Chaplains on the Harbor, this year’s shelter began with 15 beds for the unsheltered seven days a week, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Some Westport citizens have noticed more traffic from the unsheltered this year because, unlike most previous years, there is no emergency cold weather shelter in the central portion of the county, forcing those seeking shelter to attempt to use the Westport location, often using the public transit system.

With implementation of a shelter in the central Grays Harbor area delayed, the Board of County Commissioners asked Public Health to bring forward options to mitigate the effects of cold weather on unsheltered residents. In December 2022 Public Health presented three options to the board, including expanding the bed capacity at the Westport shelter.

On January 3, 2023, Grays Harbor County Commissioners approved a contract amendment for the shelter to expand its capacity from 15 to 25 beds. An additional $45,000, funded by an Emergency Solutions Coronavirus Grant through the State of Washington, will provide for three full time employees (shelter staff, security, and shelter manager), along with utilities, supplies and administration costs of operating a 25-bed facility.

Provisions in the contract between the county and Chaplains on the Harbor require Chaplains to work closely with the City of Westport to make sure everything at the shelter is up to code and to mitigate impacts on the community. Chaplains and the County have indeed worked with the city to do this throughout the shelter season.

FAQs on the Westport Cold Weather Shelter can be found on the Grays Harbor County Public Health website.

If you have any questions and/or comments, please contact the Grays Harbor County Public Health at health@Graysharbor.us.

GRAYS HARBOR RE-OPEN TO RECREATIONAL HARVEST OF ALL SHELLFISH

Media Contact: Jeff Nelson, Director

Phone: 360-249-4222

Email: EHD@co.grays-harbor.wa.us

Grays Harbor – Grays Harbor has re-opened for recreational shellfishing of all species.  Levels of the marine biotoxin that causes Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP) have fallen below the recreational closure limit.  This area boundary is inside Grays Harbor only and does not include ocean beaches.  Commercially harvested shellfish are tested for toxin prior to distribution and should be safe to eat.

PSP poisoning can be life-threatening and is caused by eating shellfish containing a potent toxin. A naturally occurring organism produces the toxin.  The toxin is not destroyed by cooking or freezing.  A person cannot determine if the toxin is present by visual inspection.  PSP can only be detected by laboratory testing.  Therefore, recreational shellfish harvesters are advised to call the DOH Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632 or access the Shellfish Safety website at https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/biotoxin/biotoxin.html before harvesting shellfish anywhere in Grays Harbor. Before harvesting, also remember to check harvest seasons and licensing requirements.  Contact the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for information about licensing and fishing regulations at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations.

Análisis de deficiencias apoya planes para atender la salud mental y el abuso de substancias

3 octubre de 2022

PARA DIFUSIÓN INMEDIATA

CONTACTO: Oficial de Comunicaciones, Dan Hammock 360-500-4351 dan.hammock@graysharbor.us.

ABERDEEN – El "Análisis de deficiencias de salud del comportamiento" que se hizo recientemente, dará un modelo para que Salud Pública del Condado de Grays Harbor County y sus colaboradores enfrenten las barreras a los servicios de salud mental y trastornos por abuso de sustancias, en el condado.

"El Análisis de deficiencias de salud del comportamiento es un gran paso hacia adelante en el esfuerzo que hace el condado para desarrollar un 'sistema continuo para la atención' a la salud mental y los trastornos por uso de sustancias", dijo el director de Salud Pública del Condado de Grays Harbor, Mike McNickle. "Nuestro anhelo es que a las personas encargadas de tomar decisiones y que atienden en el condado de Grays Harbor, les sirva como guía para sopesar opciones, de cómo mejorar los sistemas de atención a la salud mental y a los trastornos por el uso de sustancias".

El informe se publicó el 3 de octubre, utilizó encuestas, entrevistas de proveedores de servicios locales, foros comunitarios, encuestas comunitarias, datos existentes y disponibles de fuentes locales, estatales y nacionales, todo con el propósito de esbozar una imagen de la situación actual y ofrecer recomendaciones para mejorar los servicios que se ofrecen en el condado.

"Este informe se pudo hacer en un período muy corto debido a los años de buenas preguntas, investigaciones y colaboración entre muchos de nuestros colaboradores comunitarios que tratan esos temas todos los días", dijo la gerente de Lugares Saludables, Cassie Lentz, de Salud Pública del Condado de Grays Harbor. "Nos complace ver que el informe profundiza en las causas fundamentales, no solo en los síntomas, y lo más importante es que traza estrategias prácticas que juntos podemos asumir para mejorar ese sistema".

El informe está disponible (en inglés) en https://tinyurl.com/bdekmtza con opciones para acción inmediata / a corto plazo, a mediano y largo plazo para mejorar el sistema existente.

El informe incluye también un tablero con datos interactivos abierto al público en general y presenta una visualización de algunos de los datos clave que se desglosaron por sección censal, nivel de pobreza, así como por raza-etnicidad. El enlace al tablero (en inglés) es https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/hma.data.visualizations/viz/GraysHarborBehavioralHealthGapAnalysis/AmericanIndian.

Para más información visítenos en https://www.healthygh.org, y síganos en facebook.com/GHPublicHealth and en Twitter en twitter.com/GraysCounty.

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Gap analysis provides data for mental health, substance abuse service plans

A recently-completed “Behavioral Health Gap Analysis” will provide the blueprint for Grays Harbor County Public Health and its partners to address barriers to mental health and substance abuse disorder services in the county.

“The Behavioral Health Gap Analysis is a big step forward in the county’s effort to develop a ‘continuous system of care’ approach to mental health and substance use disorders,” said Grays Harbor County Public Health Director Mike McNickle. “Our hope is that this report will serve as a guideline for decision makers when weighing options how to best improve the mental health and substance use disorder systems that serve Grays Harbor County residents.”

The report, released Oct. 3, used local service provider surveys and interviews, community forums and a community survey, and existing available data from local, state and national sources to paint a picture of the current situation and provide recommendations for improving services within the county.

“This report was able to be completed in a very short time frame due to the years of good questions, research, and collaboration between many of our community partners who work on these issues every day,” said Grays Harbor County Public Health Healthy Places Manager Cassie Lentz. “We are pleased to see the resulting report digs down to the root causes, not just symptoms, and most importantly outlines actionable strategies we can take on together to improve this system.”

The report is available at healthygh.org: https://tinyurl.com/bdekmtza. At the end of the report is an infographic (included with this release) that provides immediate/short-term, mid-term and long-term options for improving the existing system.

The report also includes an interactive data dashboard, available to the public. It provides a visualization of some of the key data within the report, broken down by census tract, poverty level, and race-ethnicity. The link to the dashboard is https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/hma.data.visualizations/viz/GraysHarborBehavioralHealthGapAnalysis/AmericanIndian. A screen shot of the dashboard home page is below.

For more visit https://www.healthygh.org, and follow Grays Harbor County Public Health at facebook.com/GHPublicHealth and Twitter at twitter.com/GraysCounty.

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PARALYTIC SHELLFISH POISON CLOSURE HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR GRAYS HARBOR

Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP), formerly known as “red tide,” has now been detected at concentrations above the closure level in shellfish samples collected from Westport.   As a result, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has closed all of Grays Harbor to the recreational harvest of shellfish.  

The closure area boundary is inside Grays Harbor only and does not affect ocean beaches.  Commercial beaches are sampled separately, and commercial products should be safe to eat. 

The closure includes clams, oysters, mussels, scallops and other species of mollusks.  Crabs are not included in the closure.  Continued sampling will determine when closures will be lifted or expanded.

PSP poisoning can be life-threatening and is caused by eating shellfish containing a potent toxin. A naturally occurring organism produces the toxin.  The toxin is not destroyed by cooking or freezing.  Early symptoms of PSP can set in within 30 minutes of shellfish consumption and may include numbness and tingling around the lips/tongue; vomiting; diarrhea and abdominal pain; numbness in arms/legs; muscular paralysis or coordination loss; dizziness and incoherence; headache; rapid pulse; and/or respiratory distress.  If you experience any of these symptoms after eating shellfish, have someone take you to the Emergency Room immediately or call 911 for assistance.

A person cannot determine if the toxin is present by visual inspection.  PSP can only be detected by laboratory testing.  Therefore, recreational shellfish harvesters are advised to call the DOH Biotoxin Hotline at 1-800-562-5632 or access the Shellfish Safety website at https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/biotoxin/biotoxin.html before harvesting shellfish anywhere in Grays Harbor. Before harvesting, also remember to check harvest seasons and licensing requirements.  Contact the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for information about licensing and fishing regulations at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations.

County Commissioner Vickie Raines accepted into National Association of Counties’ network to expand data sharing efforts across behavioral health and justice systems

Contact: Dan Hammock, Communications Officer, Grays Harbor County Public Health, 360-500-4027, dan.hammock@graysharbor.us

County Commissioner Vickie Raines is joining a select group of local officials in the inaugural cohort of the National Association of Counties’ Familiar Faces Leadership Network for her commitment to improving life outcomes for high-needs residents with complex behavioral health conditions.

The Familiar Faces Initiative (FFI): Improving Outcomes through Coordinated Health and Justice Systems was launched in May of this year by the National Association of Counties to support and empower communities to share data between health and justice systems and coordinate care options for individuals with complex health and behavioral health conditions who frequently cycle through jails, homeless shelters, emergency departments and other crisis services.

Raines has a long history of work with criminal justice, behavioral health, and homeless housing partners as County Commissioner. She currently serves as chair of the Great Rivers Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization Board, the administrator of behavioral health crisis services for Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Pacific, and Wahkiakum Counties.

“I am excited to learn from many experts across the country about how their criminal justice, behavioral health, and other community services are working together to identify and provide wrap-around care to those most in need,” said Raines. “We look forward to applying lessons learned to improve our work with local partners to better serve Grays Harbor.”

Grays Harbor County Public Health Healthy Places Manager Cassie Lentz will be providing staff support to Commissioner Raines. Lentz manages, among other things, Public Health’s homeless housing, behavioral health and health equity programs. She has been working to coordinate Grays Harbor’s local plans to address homelessness and affordable housing, behavioral health gaps analysis, and jail system of care programs.

“The Familiar Faces Initiative is a great opportunity to build off of the progress we have made in Grays Harbor through our Community Partner Coalition, Housing Stakeholder Coalition, and Jail System of Care,” said Lentz. “Data collection, sharing, and evaluation are critical to target interventions on a systemic level for the most vulnerable clients who typically cycle through a variety of programs without a positive outcome.”

As participants in the Familiar Faces Leadership Network, Lentz and Raines will engage with fellow elected officials from across the country who are building similar efforts in their jurisdictions. They will participate in peer site visits to communities with model data-sharing practices and receive technical assistance from FFI Advisory Board members.
Local leaders participating in this network represent jurisdictions ranging in size and geographic location from the City of Issaquah, which has a population of 38,000, to Contra Costa County, California, with a population of 1.2 million. To see a full list of local officials participating in the Leadership Network and find out more about the Familiar Faces Initiative, visit familiarfaces.naco.org.

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ABOUT THE FAMILIAR FACES INITIATIVE

Led by the National Association of Counties (NACo) and funded by Arnold Ventures, the Familiar Faces Initiative supports communities in building and share data and integrate care options between health and justice systems so they can intervene earlier, improve outcomes and reduce incarceration and hospitalization rates. Data-sharing allows communities to identify people who need help and connect them with the right services to address behavioral health needs and, ultimately, break the cycle of justice system involvement and hospital usage. For more information visit https://familiarfaces.naco.org/.

Preliminary tests detect toxic algae in portion of Ocean Shores' Grand Canal

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

RE: TOXIC ALGAE WARNING FOR OCEAN SHORES WATER WAYS

CONTACT: Grays Harbor County Environmental Health Division

Jeff Nelson, Director

DATE: 07/01/2022 3:30PM

In response to reports of a possible Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB), City Officials conducted initial testing of water samples collected from the Grand Canal in an area North of the Mt. Olympus Bridge. Preliminary results indicate the presence of Toxic Algae. Additional testing will be necessary to better characterize any potential threat to human and animal health.

What are toxic algae?

Toxic algae, also known as cyanobacteria, occur naturally in lakes and other water bodies. They can produce toxins that make people, pets, and animals sick.

What causes toxic algae?

Toxic algae need light, the right temperature, and nutrients. People can influence the number of nutrients in the water:

Reduce your use of fertilizer.

Maintain your septic system.

Put pet waste into the trash.

What are the symptoms?

Muscle weakness.

Vomiting.

Diarrhea.

Nausea.

See your medical provider if you have come into contact with toxic algae and have any of these symptoms. Little children are at most risk since they have small bodies and are likely to ingest water.

Skin contact with toxic algae can cause irritation or a rash. This is a different rash from Swimmer's Itch.

How can toxic algae affect my pets?

Pets are at great risk. They have small bodies and are more likely to ingest larger amounts of toxic algae. They may drink water with toxic algae and lick their fur. Take your pet to the vet when it shows any of these symptoms:

Lethargy

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Convulsions

Difficulty breathing

General weakness

What should I do if exposed to toxic algae?

You can get sick within minutes to hours of exposure. Rinse off any people or any pets exposed to toxic algae immediately. Monitor for signs of illness and seek medical treatment if symptoms occur. For exposed pets, keep them from licking their fur.

Can I eat fish from toxic algae contaminated water?

Avoid eating fish from areas with visible algae. Always clean fish well and discard guts.

What should I do if I see an algae bloom?

Don’t drink lake water.

Don’t swim or waterski in areas with visible algae.

Keep pets and livestock away.

Questions? Contact Grays Harbor County Environmental Health at 360-249-4222 or EHD@co.grays-harbor.wa.us.

Cuatro seleccionados para acrecentar a la Junta de Salud del condado

CONTACTO: Dan Hammock, Comunicaciones, 360-500-4351, dan.hammock@graysharbor.us.

ABERDEEN – Este miércoles la Junta de Salud del Condado de Grays Harbor seleccionó cuatro nuevos miembros que ocuparán sus lugares en la junta al lado de los tres miembros actuales, en la reunión trimestral del 28 de julio.

La Junta de Comisionados del Condado nombró a los nuevos miembros de cuatro categorías diversas:

Consumidor de salud pública: Char Hood de Aberdeen. Ejercerá por un periodo de dos años.

Otras partes interesadas de la comunidad: Chris Olive de Aberdeen. Ejercerá por un periodo de un año.

Proveedor salud pública, centros de atención médica: Dr. Kenneth Dietrich de Oakville. Ejercerá por un periodo de dos años.

Representante tribal: Chrissy Winn de Taholah. Ejercerá por un periodo de tres años.

“Estamos muy entusiasmados de dar la bienvenida a nuestros nuevos miembros a la Junta de Salud del Condado de Grays Harbor", dijo el Director de Salud Pública del Condado de Grays Harbor, Mike McNickle. "Las nuevas perspectivas, la energía y visión que nos aportarán ayudarán al avance de iniciativas innovadoras para mejorar la salud de todas las personas que residen en el Condado de Grays Harbor".

En el 2021, la legislatura estatal aprobó legislación que ordena a toda jurisdicción de salud local, el  acrecentar su junta de salud para el 1 de julio de 2022. El 17 de mayo, los comisionados que continuarán sirviendo en la Junta de Salud del Condado de Grays Harbor, aprobaron una resolución para ampliar la junta con tres miembros más, para así tener los cuatro cargos de los que no son electos.   

Los candidatos nombrados el miércoles en una reunión especial de la Junta de Salud provienen de un grupo de solicitantes aceptados el mes pasado, a excepción es la representante tribal seleccionada por la de Salud Indígena Estadounidense y aprobada por la Junta de Comisionados del Condado.  

Para obtener más información sobre la Junta de Salud, visite https://www.healthygh.org/boh y siga a Grays Harbor County Public Health en facebook.com/GHPublicHealth y en Twitter en twitter.com/GraysCounty.  

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Four selected for expanded county Board of Health

June 23, 2022

Four selected for expanded county Board of Health

Will be on the board for the July 28 quarterly meeting

CONTACT: Dan Hammock, Communications Officer, 360-500-4351, dan.hammock@graysharbor.us.

ABERDEEN – Four new members of the Grays Harbor County Board of Health were selected Wednesday and will take their seats on the board alongside the three existing members at the quarterly meeting July 28.

The new members were appointed by the Board of County Commissioners from four different categories:

Consumer of public health: Char Hood of Aberdeen. Will serve a two-year term.

Other community stakeholder: Chris Olive of Aberdeen. Will serve a one-year term.

Public health, health care facilities, provider: Dr. Kenneth Dietrich of Oakville. Will serve a two-year term.

Tribal representative: Chrissy Winn of Taholah. Will serve a three-year term.

“We are very excited to welcome our new members to the Grays Harbor County Board of Health,” said Grays Harbor County Public Health Director Mike McNickle. “The new perspectives, energy and vision they bring will help us move forward with innovative initiatives that will help improve the health of all Grays Harbor County residents.”

The state legislature in 2021 passed legislation that directed each local health jurisdiction to expand its board of health by July 1 2022. Grays Harbor County Commissioners – whom will continue to serve on the Board of Health – passed a resolution May 17 to expand the board from three elected members to add the four non-elected positions.

The candidates appointed Wednesday at a special Board of Health meeting came from a pool of applicants accepted over the last month, except for the tribal representative, who was selected by the American Indian Health Commission and approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

For more on the Board of Health visit https://www.healthygh.org/boh, and follow Grays Harbor County Public Health at facebook.com/GHPublicHealth and Twitter at twitter.com/GraysCounty.  

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Evite el riesgo del mortífero botulismo, manténgase al tanto con las guias para envasar alimentos en casa

Contacto: Dan Hammock, oficial de comunicaciones, Salud Pública del Condado de Grays Harbor, 360-500-4072; cel. 360-986-6708; dan.hammock@co.grays-harbor.wa.us 

ABERDEEN – La semana pasada murió un hombre entre los 55 y 65 años, residente del condado de Grays Harbor, siendo el botulismo la causa probable. No tenemos más información de la defunción. La causa de la defunción está pendiente al resultado de la prueba confirmatoria.

Salud Ambiental del Condado de Grays Harbor ayudó al propietario de la vivienda para eliminar en forma segura cerca de 170 frascos tamaño medio litro de alimentos envasados y envases para conserva de alimentos, esto de acuerdo con los lineamientos de Centro para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades, de aquí en adelante el CDC.

El botulismo no se puede ver, oler, ni tiene sabor; sin embargo, una pequeña cantidad al probar un alimento con la toxina puede ser mortal, esto según el CDC.

El CDC enfatiza que el envasado en casa, aun cuando es divertido y productivo para conservar alimentos desde mariscos a vegetales, si no se hace en forma correcta, pone a las personas en riesgo de botulismo.

Utilizando las técnicas de envasado apropiadas, el equipo correcto y tirando cualquier alimento que no haya sido envasado apropiadamente, es la mejor forma de conservar sus alimentos envasados buenos y seguros.

Dos fuentes excelentes para el envasado de alimentos es el CDC  – https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/es/communication/home-canning-and-botulism.html – y la Universidad del Estado de Washington, Extensión Grays Harbor, y en inglés – https://extension.wsu.edu/graysharbor/family/food/.

Si el envasado en casa es algo nuevo para usted o necesita un repaso, el Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA) tiene recursos y guías completas en inglés vea https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/usda/GUIDE01_HomeCan_rev0715.pdf.

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Follow proper home canning guidelines to avoid risk of deadly botulism

ABERDEEN – This past weekend, a Grays Harbor County man aged 55-65 passed away from a probable cause of botulism. No further information on the deceased is available. Confirmation of the cause of death is pending confirmatory test results.

Grays Harbor County Environmental Health assisted the property owner with the safe disposal of around 170 pint-sized jars of home-canned food and canning jars per CDC guidelines.

Botulism is odorless and cannot be seen or tasted; however, even a small taste of food containing the toxin can be deadly, according to the CDC.

The CDC stresses that home canning, while a fun and productive way to preserve everything from seafood to vegetables, can put people at risk of botulism if not done correctly.

Using proper canning techniques, the right kind of equipment, and disposing of any canned foods that may not have been properly preserved is the best way to keep your home canned goods safe.

Two excellent resources for safe canning practices include the CDC – https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/home-canning-and-botulism.html – and Washington State University Extension Grays Harbor – https://extension.wsu.edu/graysharbor/family/food/.

If you’re new to canning or need a refresher, the USDA has a great resource, the Complete Guide to Home Canning, available for free download at https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/usda/GUIDE01_HomeCan_rev0715.pdf.

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Safely dispose of prescription drugs at the Aberdeen Police station April 30

The Harbor Strong Coalition will host a prescription drug take-back event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at the Aberdeen Police Department at 210 E. Market St. in Aberdeen.

At the event, the public can dispose of unused or expired prescription medication in a safe and easy way. Prescription and over-the-counter medications will be accepted. Medications can remain in their original containers and labels do not need to be removed. Medications not in their original containers will be accepted too.

The take-back event supports the “Starts with One” campaign from the Washington State Health Care Authority. The Starts with One campaign informs and educates young adults, their parents, and older adults about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and the importance of safe storage and disposal of prescription opioids.

According to the campaign website, “75 percent of opioid misuse starts with people using medication that wasn’t prescribed for them – usually taken from a friend or family member.” Simple steps, like safely disposing of medications, can stop them from being misused.

Participating in these take-back events is one thing that individuals can do to help address the opioid epidemic and protect their loved ones. The Harbor Strong Coalition and Aberdeen Police Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) will be passing out free medication lock boxes at this event.

Check out Harbor Strong’s Drug Take-Back Facebook event page for more information: https://fb.me/e/1qIB5KLhL

About the Harbor Strong Coalition:

The Harbor Strong Coalition’s mission is to prevent and reduce substance abuse and related problems to youth, adults and families by providing leadership, education and community partnerships promoting a healthy, positive lifestyle.

The Harbor Strong Coalition was founded in May 2018 as a result of a grant with the Washington State DBHR (Behavioral Health and Recovery) with a focus on opioid prevention efforts in the Aberdeen area. Our community realized the benefits of working together to address the specific problem of underage substance use and is passionate about student achievement. 

Members and partners include Grays Harbor County Public Health, Aberdeen School District, Capital Region ESD 113, as well as members from 12 different community sectors including media, parents, law enforcement, health care, tribal, civic groups, youth serving organizations, faith-based organizations, local government, local business community, and youth.

We believe that the key to prevention is truly being able to tap into the resources of human capital that exist in our community. Every individual has the ability to impact protective factors – it is our job to help them realize that potential. Although change does not happen as fast as we would like it to, we continue to be encouraged by the fact that the needle is moving in a positive direction.

Like us on Facebook: Harbor Strong Coalition

For more information about the HCA Starts with One campaign, visit www.getthefactsrx.com.

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Grays Harbor Public Health, Transit team to distribute free COVID-19 tests

March 30, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Grays Harbor Public Health, Transit team to distribute free COVID-19 tests

Contact: Ana K. Garcia, Community Health Specialist, agarcia@co.grays-harbor.wa.us, 360-532-8631 ext. 4061

Terri Gardner, Operations Manager, Grays Harbor Transit, tgardner@ghtransit.com, 360-532-2770 ext. 102

Grays Harbor County Public Health and Grays Harbor Transit are teaming to distribute free COVID-19 tests on bus routes across the county.

“One of the reasons we wanted to partner up with Grays Harbor Transit was to ensure equitability and widespread access to testing around the county,” said Ana K. Garcia, Grays Harbor County Public Health Community Health Specialist. “Partnering up with other organizations in our community has become essential for distributing these tests to those who need them but can’t get to other distribution sites.”

Grays Harbor County Public Health requests an allocation of tests from the state. Those tests are then distributed to ensure access by the most vulnerable residents: some go to assisted living facilities, others to local libraries and other locations easily accessible to the general public.

“Grays Harbor Transit is honored to partner with Grays Harbor County Health to help distribute COVID-19 tests,” said Terri Gardner, Grays Harbor Transit Operations Manager. “Our mission has always been to provide the essential service of safe, reliable transportation to all citizens of Grays Harbor, and this is one more way we can achieve that goal.”

Tests are available at:

·         Hoquiam Transit Center – 7th & J Street, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday

·         Aberdeen Transit Center – Wishkah & G Street, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

·         Operations Building – 705 30th St., Hoquiam, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

·         Administration Building – 343 West Wishkah, Aberdeen, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

·         Any specialized Van Service bus

·         By request any Dial-A-Ride – call 360-532-2770, ext. 3

o   Elma, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday                     

o   Montesano, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday                     

o   Westport, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday-Friday                      

o   Ocean Shores, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday                     

o   Centralia, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday

Ø  Times are not exact

·         By request on Fixed Route – call 360-532-2770, ext. 3                   

o   7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday   

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El Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Grays Habor y el Departamento de Grays Harbor Transit se han unido para distribuir pruebas gratuitas de COVID-19.

30 de Marzo del 2022

PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA

El Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Grays Habor y el Departamento de Grays Harbor Transit se han unido para distribuir pruebas gratuitas de COVID-19.

Contact: Ana K. Garcia, Especialista en Salud Comunitaria del Departamento de Salud Pública, agarcia@co.grays-harbor.wa.us, 360-532-8631 ext. 4061

Terri Gardner, Operations Manager, Departamento de Grays Harbor Transit, tgardner@ghtransit.com, 360-532-2770 ext. 102

El Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Grays Habor y el Departamento de Grays Harbor Transit se han unido para distribuir pruebas gratuitas de COVID-19 en las rutas de autobúses de todo el condado. 

“Una de las razones por las que queríamos asociarnos con el Departamento de Grays Harbor Transit es para garantizar la equidad y ampliar el acceso a las puebras en todo el condado”’ dijo Ana K. Garcia, Especialista en Salud Comunitaria del Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Grays harbor. “La asociación con otras organizaciones en nuestra comunidad se ha vuelto esencial para distribuir estas pruebas a quienes las necesiten pero no puedan adquirirlas en otros sitios de distribución”.

El Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado De Grays Harbor solicita una alocación de pruebas al estado. Luego, esas pruebas se distribuyen para garantizar el acceso a los residentes más vunerables: algunas van a instalaciones de vivienda de asistencia, otras a bibliotecas locales y otros lugares de fácil acceso para el público en general.

“El Departamento de Grays Harbor Transit tiene el honor de asociarse con el Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Grays Harbor para ayudar a distribuir las pruebas de COVID-19”, dijo Terri Gardner, Gerente de Operaciones de Grays Harbor Transit. “ Nuestra missión siempre ha sido brindar el servicio esencial de transporte seguro y confiable a todos los ciudadanos de Grays Harbor, y esta es una forma más enque podemos lograr ese objectivo”.

Las pruebas estan disponibles en:

·         Centro de tránsito de Hoquiam – 7th & J Street, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Lunes-Viernes

·         Centro de tránsito de Aberdeen– Wishkah & G Street, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Lunes-Viernes; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sabado-Domingo

·         Edificio de Operaciones– 705 30th St., Hoquiam, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Lunes-Viernes; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sabado y Domingo.

·         Edificio de Administración – 343 West Wishkah, Aberdeen, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Lunes-Viernes.

·         Cualquier autobús especializado de Van Service

·         Por pedido a cualquier Dial-A-Ride – llame al 360-532-2770, ext. 3

o   Elma, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Lunes-Viernes                      

o   Montesano, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Lunes-Viernes                      

o   Westport, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Lunes-Viernes                      

o   Ocean Shores, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Lunes-Viernes                      

o   Centralia, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Lunes-Viernes                      

Ø  Los tiempos no son exactos

·         Por solicitud en Ruta Fija – llame al 360-532-2770, ext. 3                   

o   7 a.m.-7 p.m. Lunes-Viernes; 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. sábado y domingo

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Evento para personas sin hogar coincide con el punto de recuento de las personas sin albergue en el área

14 de febrero, 2022

Para difusión inmediata

Contactos: Natali Paccione, coordinadora programa de vivienda, Salud Pública y Servicios Sociales de Grays Harbor 360-500-4078, natali.paccione@co.grays-harbor.wa.us & Greg Claycamp, Program director Vivienda y Servicios Comunitarios y Community Services, Coastal Community Action Program, 360-533-5100, greg@coastalcap.org

Evento para personas sin hogar coincide con el punto de recuento de las personas sin albergue en el área

Este mes, el proyecto Conexión con las Personas sin Hogar del Condado Grays Harbor, estará a la par con las personas sin alberge ofreciendo una variedad de servicios necesarios, al mismo tiempo se hará un recuento como censo para identificar el número de personas sin alberge que residen en el condado.

Habrá cuatro eventos, organizados por el programa Coastal Community Action (CCAP) y Salud Pública del Condado Grays Harbor, entre las 10 a.m. a las 2 p.m.:

22 de febrero - Rotary Log Pavilion, 1401 Sargent Blvd, Aberdeen

23 de febrero - Chaplains on the Harbor, 281 W. Spokane Ave., Westport

24 de febrero - Ocean Shores Lions Club, 832 Ocean Shores Blvd. NW, Ocean Shores

25 de febrero - 318 W. Young St., Elma

Los organizadores han alineado servicios gratis desde cortes de pelo hasta revisión de elegibilidad del Departamento de Servicios Sociales y de Salud, así como del Seguro Social. Otros servicios ofrecidos en el pasado incluyen, revisión de la vista, acupuntura, alcance comunitario a veteranos, atención a mascotas, vivienda, atención médica y dental.

En cada uno de los lugares, los participantes recibirán gratis una caja con almuerzo para llevar. Puede haber también en forma limitada, ropa, artículos para higiene y mochilas.

“Esos eventos ofrecen eso y más en un solo lugar y usted puede ser parte de las historias que cambian la vida”, dijo la coordinadora del programa, Natali Paccione, Salud Pública y Vivienda de Grays Harbor, una de las coordinadoras del evento. Eso incluye participando para llenar de artículos en 250 mochilas, con cosas impermeables como guantes, sombreros, impermeables ligeros con capucha.

El censo para las personas sin hogar, que se conoce como punto de recuento, evalúa el número de personas sin albergue en el condado. Esa información la utiliza las fuentes de patrocinio local, estatal y federal para calcular más preciso los servicios que las personas sin hogar necesitan o las personas que pudieran convertirse a personas sin hogar dentro del Condado de Grays Harbor County.

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Acerca de Salud Pública y Servicios Sociales del Condado Grays Harbor

Salud Pública y Servicios Sociales del Condado Grays Harbor trabaja para mejorar la salud y el bienestar de las personas en Grays Harbor.

Visite nuestro sitio web: http://www.healthyGH.org.  Síganos en Facebook http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

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Homeless services events coincide with annual Point in Time count of area’s unsheltered

February 14, 2022

For immediate release

Contact: Natali Paccione, Housing Program Coordinator, Grays Harbor Public Health & Social Services, 360-500-4078, natali.paccione@co.grays-harbor.wa.us

  Greg Claycamp, Program Director for Housing and Community Services, Coastal Community Action Program, 360-533-5100, greg@coastalcap.org

Homeless services events coincide with annual Point in Time count of area’s unsheltered

This month, Grays Harbor County’s Project Homeless Connect will pair the county’s unsheltered with a variety of needed services, while at the same time performing a census of sorts to identify the number of unsheltered people residing in the county.

There are four events, organized by the Coastal Community Action Program (CCAP) and Grays Harbor County Public Health, all held between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.:

Feb. 22, Rotary Log Pavilion, 1401 Sargent Blvd, Aberdeen

Feb. 23, Chaplains on the Harbor, 281 W. Spokane Ave., Westport

Feb. 24, Ocean Shores Lions Club, 832 Ocean Shores Blvd. NW, Ocean Shores

Feb. 25, 318 W. Young St., Elma

Organizers have been lining up providers for everything from haircuts to DSHS and Social Security eligibility screening. Other services that have been offered at past events include vision screening, acupuncture, homeless veteran outreach, animal care, housing information, and medical and dental care.

Free box lunches will be provided for participants at each location. There may also be a limited supply of clothing, hygiene products and backpacks at each location.

“These events provide one-stop, one-location access to services, and you can be a part of life-changing stories,” said Grays Harbor Public Health Housing Program Coordinator Natali Paccione, one of the event coordinators. That includes getting involved by providing items to fill some 250 donated backpacks with waterproof items like gloves, hats and lightweight, hooded rain jackets.

The homeless population census, known as the Point in Time count, assesses the number of unsheltered in the county. That information is used by local, state and federal funding sources to more accurately estimate the resources required for needed services for the homeless or those who may become homeless within Grays Harbor County.

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About Grays Harbor County Public Health & Social Services Department

Grays Harbor County Public Health & Social Services Department works to improve the health and well-being of the people of Grays Harbor.

Visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

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Terminan a fin de mes los servicios de vacunación en las clínicas de Salud Pública y cierra el Centro de Recursos

8 de febrero, 2022

Para difusión inmediata

Contacto: Dan Hammock, Oficial de Comunicaciones, Salud Pública de Grays Harbor

360-500-4072, dan.hammock@co.grays-harbor.wa.us

Terminan a fin de mes los servicios de vacunación en las clínicas de Salud Pública y cierra el Centro de Recursos

Se terminan las clínicas de Salud Pública del Condado de Grays Harbor, finalizarán con la última clínica pediátrica del 26 de febrero y el 25 de febrero, será el último día de trabajo del personal de la línea del Centro de Recursos COVID-19.

Conforme la pandemia COVID-19 evoluciona, así mismo es la respuesta. A pesar de los esfuerzos de Salud Pública de Grays Harbor, para continuar esos servicios y asegurar fondos, concluirán a fines de febrero.

Ese aviso proviene días después de que Salud Pública anunció cambios en el rastreo de contactos y en los casos de investigación, o sea, de investigar cada caso reportado el enfoque es ahora en ambientes de congregación y las poblaciones con alto riesgo.

Los miércoles y viernes continuarán las clínicas de vacunación para todos los que tengan por lo menos 12 años, esto hasta fines de febrero, y las clínicas pediátricas para los de 5 a 11 años continuarán hasta finalizar con la última clínica del 26 de febrero. Por favor haga su cita en línea healthygh.org/covid19-vacuna-info-espanol

Jerry Rajcich, director de Vacunación en Salud Pública y su personal han estado durante meses, proporcionando tantas vacunas como han sido posible y en días recientes redoblaron las clínicas móviles y otros programas de alcance comunitario, para aprovechar al máximo el tiempo que les queda al personal. A la fecha, las clínicas han otorgado más de 5,142 dosis en menos de un año, y eso no incluye las 19,249 dosis que Salud Pública aplicó durante las vacunaciones masivas en el Puerto de Grays Harbor, acontecidas entre enero y marzo, 2021.

A partir de este mes, si buscan vacunación contra COVID-19 necesitará comunicarse usted directamente con las farmacias, clínicas y otros proveedores, encuéntrelos en la página web: vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov. y [en el campo de búsqueda] ponga su zona postal.

El Centro de Recursos ha manejado miles y miles de llamadas durante el transcurso de la epidemia, con todo tipo de preguntas desde elegibilidad para vacuna, opciones para pruebas, cuarentena, aislamiento y otras más.

No es de extrañarse que el Centro de Recursos manejara más de 1,000 llamadas en un solo día durante los surgimientos de brotes, como la variante Delta y Ómicron. Dicho lo anterior, durante los dos últimos años el Centro de Recursos ha manejado casi 27,000 llamadas y sumadas las llamadas entrantes con los miles de llamadas de salida, el personal del Centro de Recursos manejó más de 30,000 llamadas.

Después del 25 de febrero cuando llame al número de teléfono 360-964-1850, se referirá la llamada a la línea COVID-19 del estado y a otras organizaciones para información.

La conclusión de esos servicios significa que habrá recortes de personal en Salud Pública de Grays Harbor y que por falta de fondos está forzado a terminar el empleo de quienes han estado trabajando muchas horas para mantener sanos y saludables, a los residentes de este condado.

“Nuestro equipo de vacunación ha hecho un trabajo asombroso aplicando inyecciones en miles de brazos, no solamente aquí en nuestra clínica del Edificio Pearsall, sino también en las escuelas, viviendas donde se congregan las personas, a los confinados y hasta en los barcos que anclaron en el Puerto de Grays Harbor, dijo Mike McNickle, director de Salud Pública del Condado Grays Harbor, “El personal del Centro de Recursos han manejado llamadas de todo tipo, algunas de personas enojadas, otras con miedo y han, en forma profesional y cortés dirigido cada una de esas llamadas a donde tratar lo que necesitaban.”

Aun cuando la tendencia actual parezca mostrar una disminución en la última ola de COVID-19, casi 4,000 casos se reportaron el mes pasado en el Condado Grays Harbor, McNickle insta vigilancia constante ya que, el número de casos, las hospitalizaciones y muertes, continúan a la alta.

“Sin duda, este no es el tiempo para bajar la guardia”, dijo McNickle. “Si tiene síntomas, hágase la prueba. En público póngase un cubrebocas ajustado. Mantenga su sana distancia social. Y póngase la vacuna y su refuerzo. Eso siguen siendo la mejor defensa contra COVID-19”.

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Acerca de Salud Pública y Servicios Sociales del Condado Grays Harbor

Salud Pública y Servicios Sociales del Condado Grays Harbor trabaja para mejorar la salud y el bienestar de las personas en Grays Harbor. 

Visite nuestro sitio web: http://www.healthyGH.org.  Síganos en Facebook http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

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Public Health vaccination clinics to end this month, Resource Center to close

February 9, 2022

For immediate release

Contact: Dan Hammock, Communications Officer, Grays Harbor Public Health

360-500-4072, dan.hammock@co.grays-harbor.wa.us

Public Health vaccination clinics to end this month, Resource Center to close

Grays Harbor Public Health COVID-19 vaccination clinics will end with a final pediatric clinic Feb. 26, and the Resource Center COVID-19 hotline will have its last staffed day Feb. 25.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved, so has the response. Despite efforts by Grays Harbor Public Health to secure funding to continue these services, they will end before the end of February.

This announcement comes days after Public Health announced a change in COVID-19 contact tracing and case investigation from investigating every reported case to focusing on congregate settings and high-risk populations.

Vaccination clinics will continue to be held Wednesdays and Fridays for everyone age 12 and older through the end of February, and pediatric clinics for kids age 5-11 will continue until the final clinic Feb. 26. To make an appointment, go to healthygh.org/covid-vaccine.

Public Health Vaccine Branch Director Jerry Rajcich and staff have been providing as many vaccines as possible for months, and in recent days have stepped up mobile clinics and other outreach programs to make the most of the time the team has left. So far, the clinic has delivered 5,142 doses in just under a year – and that’s not including the 19,249 doses Public Health delivered at the mass vaccination site at the Port of Grays Harbor between January and March 2021.

Starting this month, those seeking COVID-19 vaccinations will need to contact the county’s pharmacies, clinics and other providers – a list of these providers can be found by typing your zip code into the vaccine search at vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov.

The Resource Center has fielded thousands upon thousands of calls over the course of the pandemic, with questions about everything from vaccine eligibility to testing options and quarantine and isolation guidance and more.

It wasn’t unusual during surges, like the Delta variant surge and the current Omicron surge, for the Resource Center to field more than 1,000 calls in a single day. All told, during its two years so far, the Resource Center has fielded just shy of 27,000 calls – add together the inbound calls and the thousands of returned outbound calls, more than 30,000 calls were handled by Resource Center staff.

After Feb. 25, the phone number – 360-964-1850 – will direct callers to the state COVID-19 hotline and elsewhere for information.

The end of these services means more staff cuts at Grays Harbor Public Health, as it is financially forced to lay off employees who have been working hard, long hours to keep the citizens of this county safe and healthy.

“Our vaccine team has done an amazing job of getting shots in arms, not just here at our clinic in the Pearsall Building, but at schools, congregate living facilities, for the homebound, and even on ships docked at the Port of Grays Harbor,” said Grays Harbor Public Health Director Mike McNickle. “Resource Center staff have taken calls from all types of people, some angry, some frightened, and has directed each one to what they needed in a professional, courteous manner.”

While the current trend seems to show a slowing in this latest wave of COVID-19 – nearly 4,000 cases have been reported in the last month in Grays Harbor County – McNickle urges continued vigilance as case numbers, hospitalizations and deaths remain high.

“This is definitely not the time to let your guard down,” said McNickle. “If you come down with symptoms, get tested. Wear a well-fitted mask in public. Maintain your social distancing. And get vaccinated and boosted. These remain your best defense against COVID-19.”

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About Grays Harbor County Public Health & Social Services Department

Grays Harbor County Public Health & Social Services Department works to improve the health and well-being of the people of Grays Harbor.

Visit our website at http://www.healthyGH.org.  Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

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El condado y el estado giran enfoque, al rastreo de contactos COVID-19 y a la investigación de casos, a uno más estratégico

4 de febrero, 2022

Para difusión inmediata

Contacto: Dan Hammock, Oficial de Comunicaciones, Salud Pública de Grays Harbor

360-500-4072, dan.hammock@co.grays-harbor.wa.us

El condado y el estado giran enfoque, al rastreo de contactos COVID-19 y a la investigación de casos, a uno más estratégico

Conforme la pandemia de COVID-19 ha evolucionado durante más de dos años, así será la respuesta, a nivel estatal y local.

En las siguientes semanas, Salud Pública de Grays Harbor iniciará un cambio a la investigación de casos COVID-19 y al rastreo de contactos, a otro enfoque más estratégico, reflejando la evolución de la pandemia y en alineamiento con la nueva guia de los líderes en salud pública de la nación y del estado.

En vez de localizar a cada persona que resulta positiva a COVID-19, los esfuerzos se enfocarán en cuatro áreas clave:

•           Investigación de brotes

•           Investigación de casos en lugares de congregación con alto riesgo (instalaciones para el cuidado por tiempo prolongado, etc.)

•           Investigaciones enfocadas en casos entre aquellos de alto riesgo de enfermedades más graves (adultos mayores, confinados, etc.).

•           Investigaciones enfocadas en casos que presenten enfermedades fuera de lo usual.

Esos que resultan positivos a COVID-19 y no corresponden a esas áreas, se pide sobremanera al público en general, que notifiquen ustedes a sus contactos cercanos y que sigan las recomendaciones actualizadas de aislamiento y cuarentena publicadas en el sitio de salud pública, healthygh.org/directory/covid19.

Si lo necesita, después de recibir el resultado positivo a la prueba COVID-19, puede llamar al departamento de salud del estado, la línea COVID-19 al 1-800-525-0127. Habrá más personal para contestar preguntas, como en qué condado residen y la fecha del resultado positivo a la prueba COVID-19. También hay una nueva aplicación del estado que se llama WA Notify, que permite a los usuarios a ingresar, en forma anónima, el resultado positivo a la prueba en el enlace que se le envía para alertar a otros usuarios de WA Notify, sobre la exposición potencial.

El cambio de enfoque en los casos de vigilancia incluye un cambio en fuentes de fondos. Salud Pública de Grays Harbor ya notificó al personal temporal sobre la cesantía de trabajo y está preparando más en meses venideros.

“Todos aquí en el Condado de Grays Harbor hemos estado participado a fondo en seguimiento de COVID-19 y trabajado largas jornadas esforzándonos para mantener a nuestra comunidad, segura y saludable durante esta pandemia tan prolongada”, dijo Mike McNickle, director de Salud Pública del Condado de Grays Harbor. “A cierto punto, los recortes de personal fueron inevitables y sigue siendo difícil hacerlo al personal que ha trabajado duro durante los últimos dos años”.

Esto de ninguna manera indica que ya terminó la pandemia, como lo ha demostrado la tendencia de los casos en nuestro condado. Salud Pública continúa con más de 100 casos nuevos de COVID-19 que se reportan cada día en el Condado Grays Harbor, y la tasa de hospitalización continúa siendo alta.

“El continuar utilizando cubrebocas, vacunándose y recibir el refuerzo, es tan importante ahora como nunca y sigue siendo la mejor defensa contra COVID-19, continuó McNickle, “Si tiene cualquier síntoma, hágase la prueba lo antes posible y comuníquese con nuestro Centro de Recursos con el resultado”.

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Acerca de Salud Pública y Servicios Sociales del Condado Grays Harbor

Salud Pública y Servicios Sociales del Condado Grays Harbor trabaja para mejorar la salud y el bienestar de las personas en Grays Harbor. 

Visite nuestro sitio web: http://www.healthyGH.org.  Síganos en Facebook http://www.facebook.com/healthyghc.

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