Washington State Department of Health

doh.wa.govWashington suicide rate rises in 2025, with increases among youth, older adults and rural communitiesFor immediate release: October 26, 2026 (26-061) Contact: DOH Communications

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At least 1,352 Washington residents died by suicide in 2025, at a rate of 15.5 deaths per 100,000 people, according to new data. Adults 65+ saw the largest increase in deaths of any age group, from a rate of 19.1 deaths per 100,000 in 2024 up to 23.3 in 2025. doh.wa.gov/newsroom/was...

Washington State Health Care Authority

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Other significant rate increases were among youth ages 10 to 17, people living in rural communities, and American Indian/Alaska Native and Hispanic people.

Washington State Department of Health reposted

@wa-health-care.bsky.social

Millions of Americans live with both mental health and substance use challenges. You're not alone, and help and hope are possible. 💚 988 Lifeline counselors are available 24/7 to listen, support, and connect you to resources. No judgment, just help.

Our favorite Duo? Flu and COVID-19 vaccines on the same visit!

Unlike flying cars, vaccines are proven science. They work.

vaccinefinder.orgFind pharmacies near youVaccineFinder helps you find nearby pharmacies in the United States.

Use VaccineFinder.org to find a vaccine provider near you.

Washington State Department of Health reposted

Washington State Health Care Authority

@wa-health-care.bsky.social

The Native and Strong Lifeline is for all Indigenous people living in Washington, regardless of your tribal homeland. Callers talk to Native crisis counselors trained in active listening and traditional healing practices. Go to our website to learn more: NativeLifeline.org

transcare.ucsf.eduBreast cancer screening in transgender men | Gender Affirming Health Program

#Transgender men who have not had both breasts removed or have only had breast reduction should get routine screenings. Early detection saves lives. Reduce your risks! transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/b... #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth

doh.wa.govDepartment of Health launches 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline data dashboardFor immediate release: October 19, 2026 (26-060) Contact: DOH Communications

We have launched a 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Data Dashboard to increase transparency and help communities, policymakers, and the public better understand how Washington’s crisis response system is serving people in need. Visit our newsroom at doh.wa.gov/newsroom/dep...

doh.wa.gov988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Data DashboardThis dashboard provides important insight into how people across Washington access and use crisis services. This includes patterns in call, text, and chat volume, along with response, referrals, and o...

The dashboard provides a comprehensive view of #988 Lifeline contact volume, answer rates, trends, geographic patterns, and select contact outcomes. doh.wa.gov/data-and-sta...

doh.wa.govCarbon MonoxideCarbon monoxide, or CO, is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen or smelled and can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide can quickly build up to unsafe levels in enclosed or semi-enclosed areas. Co...

Remember to have a professional service your oil and gas appliances EVERY YEAR. Gas appliances that are dirty or aren't working properly can produce deadly CO gas in your home. Install a CO alarm and check it every month. doh.wa.gov/carbon-monox...

Washington State Department of Health reposted

Washington Emergency Management Division

@emd.wa.gov

TODAY is the Great Washington ShakeOut! It’s the World’s Largest Earthquake Drill. Who’s ready to practice with us? 10:15 a.m. Still time to join us. 1.5 million strong so far. Shakeout.org/washington

shakeout.orgThe Great Washington ShakeOutGreat ShakeOut Earthquake Drills help people in homes, schools, and organizations worldwide improve preparedness and practice how to be safe during earthquakes. Register to participate in your state or country's drill at www.ShakeOut.org.

We're ready! Are you?

Pacific Northwest Seismic Network@pnsn1.bsky.social

The Great WA ShakeOut earthquake drill is tomorrow! Get ready to #ShakeOut with us at 10:15 AM on 10/15—and remember to Drop, Cover, and Hold On whenever you feel the ground shake or get a #ShakeAlert earthquake warning on your phone. @uwcampussafety.bsky.social @emd.wa.gov @shakeout.bsky.social

It's respiratory virus season, which means that flu, COVID-19, and RSV will soon be in your schools, workplaces, and social gatherings. Vaccines protect against the risk of severe illness. Most vaccines take 2 weeks to build protection in the body, so don't delay! doh.wa.gov/you-and-your...

doh.wa.govRespiratory Illness Data DashboardToggle navigation Menu

See more respiratory illness dashboards at doh.wa.gov/data-and-sta...

content.govdelivery.comcontent.govdelivery.com

Influenza activity levels usually peak in winter months, and the time to prepare is now in the autumn. Read our latest epiTrends newsletter about #influenza. #EpiSky

medium.comImagine a Day Without WaterGoing without water isn’t just inconvenient — it can affect every part of daily life

What would you do if you turned on the faucet tomorrow morning and nothing came out? Read our latest blog at medium.com/wadepthealth...

Washington State Department of Health reposted

Washington State LGBTQ Commission

@walgbtqcommission.bsky.social

Federal rules have caused confusion and anxiety about access to gender affirming care for youth in Washington. We want to reassure you that youth in Washington still have access to gender affirming services through Apple Health. Swipe through the slides for more information.

Did you hear the one about the overly bright headlights on vehicles finally being addressed? There's no punch line. It's about time.

doh.wa.govPneumonic PlagueWhat is plague? Plague is an uncommon infectious disease of animals and humans caused by Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) bacteria. Y. pestis is present in wild rodents and their fleas in many areas around...

The more you know . . . doh.wa.gov/emergencies/...

doh.wa.govSexual and Reproductive Health Clinic LocationsFind a local non-profit or county health clinic that provides sexual and reproductive health services such as birth control, pregnancy testing, STI and HIV testing, breast and cervical cancer screenin...

Sexual and reproductive health care is an important part of your overall health. Family planning clinics across Washington offer safe, reliable care. Ask your local clinic about telehealth options available to you. doh.wa.gov/srhpclinicfinder

The Washington State Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission is seeking public members to help bring the voice of Washington residents to decisions that affect pharmacy practice and patient safety.

If you or someone you know is passionate about improving patient safety in and access to pharmacy practice in WA, please apply or share this post with your network! Applications and resumes are due by October 31, 2026.

doh.wa.govPharmacy Commission Information

Learn more at doh.wa.gov/licenses-per... Apply today! governor.wa.gov/boards-and-c...

The Washington State Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission is seeking public members to help bring the voice of Washington residents to decisions that affect pharmacy practice and patient safety.

Who can apply? WA residents who are not affiliated with any aspect of pharmacy. You do not need to be a pharmacist or health care professional. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and insights who want to contribute to the health and safety of their communities.

13% of undergrad students experienced rape or sexual assault while in college. That’s about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 14 men who experienced “nonconsensual sexual contact by physical force or inability to consent” since enrolling at their school. rainn.org/red-zone

search.wa211.orgResource Directory | Washington 2112-1-1 connects callers, at no cost, to critical health and human services in their community. If you're unable to find a service, please dial 2-1-1 for assistance.

Every community has organizations working to recover wholesome food and feed neighbors. Finding the right partner is often the first step toward making food donation part of your routine. search.wa211.org/ foodlifeline.org/ harvestagainsthunger.org/washington-gleaning-network/

Whether you have a few pantry items, extra garden produce, or wholesome surplus food from your business, there's likely a local organization ready to help.

The autumnal equinox has arrived! Here's to wearing more layers and keeping respiratory illnesses away! Share your autumn recs & favs in the comments 👇

doh.wa.govDOH releases 2026-2027 childhood and adult vaccine schedulesFor immediate release: September 17, 2026 (26-059) Contact: DOH Communications Updated state standing order maintains COVID-19 vaccination access for everyone 6 months and older

17 Sept

We have released updated immunization schedules for children and adolescents and for adults. These recommendations are based on evidence from leading medical and public health organizations and outline who should receive vaccines, when, and under what conditions. doh.wa.gov/newsroom/doh...

medium.comPublic Health Stories: Behind the Science of the Hood Canal PSP EventLearn how new laboratory testing helped detect increasing toxin levels early

16 Sept

We published part 2 of our blog! Read Public Health Stories: Behind the Science of the Hood Canal PSP Event medium.com/wadepthealth...

medium.comPublic Health Stories: Hood Canal Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) ResponseHow the Department of Health Detected and Responded to the Hood Canal PSP Shellfish Closure: An interview with Marine Biotoxin Lead Jerry…

16 Sept

Here's the link to part 1 medium.com/wadepthealth...

Washington State Department of Health reposted

UW DEOHS

@uwdeohs.bsky.social

15 Sept

UW and @wadepthealth.bsky.social researchers are tracking wastewater to help improve the public health response to chlamydia and other sexually transmitted pathogens. @uwnews.uw.edu @uwsph.bsky.social deohs.washington.edu/news/its-pos...

deohs.washington.eduIt’s possible to test wastewater for STIsUW and Washington State Department of Health use wastewater to help improve public health response to chlamydia and other sexually transmitted pathogens

doh.wa.govWest Coast Health Alliance 2026-2027 respiratory virus season immunization recommendationsFor immediate release: September 4, 2026 (26-058) Contact: DOH Communications

The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) is issuing immunization recommendations for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season. These recommendations are informed by trusted national medical organizations, including @ameracadpeds.bsky.social, @acog.org, and @aafp.org.

This includes the youngest and oldest individuals in our states; other individuals at higher risk for complications, including people who are pregnant; individuals living in congregate settings; and those who live or work with people at higher risk.

The WCHA will continue to evaluate new evidence and recommendations as they become available and is committed to sharing any updated assessments with our communities. @capublichealth.bsky.social @orhealthauthority.bsky.social @hawaiidoh.bsky.social

doh.wa.govWest Coast Health Alliance 2026-2027 respiratory virus season immunization recommendationsFor immediate release: September 4, 2026 (26-058) Contact: DOH Communications

Immunization is the best protection available against respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Seasonal immunization is also a critical public health tool to reduce serious illness, community transmission, and health care systems strain.

The WCHA believes that all recommended immunizations should be accessible to the people of our states. WCHA emphasizes the importance of protecting people most impacted by these respiratory viruses, especially our most vulnerable.

medium.comYour Reason Is Reason Enough To Contact 988988 is more than a suicide hotline. To celebrate 988 Day, we invited crisis counselors across Washington to share reasons people reach out…

Your Reason Is Reason Enough To Contact 988 medium.com/wadepthealth...

Washington State Health Care Authority

8 Sept

Read our latest blog! Public Health Stories: Hood Canal Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Response medium.com/wadepthealth...

Washington State Department of Health reposted

@wa-health-care.bsky.social

8 Sept

Did you know you need to report changes within 30 day if you have Apple Health (Medicaid) coverage? Types of changes to report: • Income • Address • Marital status • Household size • Incarceration • Citizenship status • And more! Learn more about reporting a change: hca.wa.gov/report-a-change

Let's challenge some myths about food donation, because "extra" food can be a shared resource, not waste.

MYTH: One donation won't make a difference. FACT: Every donation matters. A bag of groceries, extra tomatoes from your garden, surplus food from a restaurant, or a tray of prepared food can all help feed neighbors in your community.

When many people each contribute a little, those small donations become thousands of meals that might otherwise have been lost to the landfill.

Let's challenge some myths about food donation, because "extra" food can be a shared resource, not waste.

MYTH: A "Best By" or "Use By" date means food has expired. FACT: Most dates on food packages are quality dates, not safety dates. Many unopened foods remain wholesome after the printed date when stored properly. Food banks often accept these products, although every org has its own policies.

MYTH: If I'm not sure, it's safer to throw it away. FACT: Many wholesome foods are discarded because people aren't sure whether they can be donated. Learning what foods are accepted helps reduce waste while ensuring donations remain safe for the people who receive them.

Let's challenge some myths about food donation, because "extra" food can be a shared resource, not waste.

MYTH: Food banks only accept canned and boxed foods. FACT: Many food banks also welcome fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen foods, dairy products, and other wholesome foods. Connecting with your local food recovery organization can help you uncover new ways to help your community.