Benton Franklin Health District
The NEW Kennewick office is now Open
Our new address is: 7102 W. Okanogan Place in Kennewick
(across from Benton County Court House and Three Rivers Transit Center)
More information
The new 45,000 square foot facility constructed by Benton County to house the Benton-Franklin Health District has been built on the Benton County Campus located at Vista Field.
It’s Not Too Late to Get Your Flu Shot
We are still offering flu shots during our normal clinic hours.
Starting December 12, the Health District will be reducing the cost of a flu shot to $15.00 for individuals 3 years and older while supplies last.
School aged children can be a significant reservoir for the influenza virus. They can pass it easily to others including grandparents, parents, younger siblings, friends, teachers, and others in their circle of friends. We would encourage parents with school aged children to get them vaccinated before the flu season hits us full blast.
Getting a flu shot protects you and your friends and family, so anyone who lives with or cares for a high risk adult or a child younger than 5 years old should also get a flu shot.
DOH press release
MRSA: Am I at Risk? Is it in My Neighborhood?
Staphylococcus aureus "Staph Infection" is a common bacteria found on the skin and in the nose. Usually it does not cause any harm. However, due to misuse of antibiotics, this bacteria has become resistant, meaning typical antibiotics used to kill the organism no longer work.
More information...
West Nile Virus
Wondering how to take the sting out of West Nile virus? Go to the BFHD West Nile Virus page for more information, tips to prevent infection, and how to report dead birds.
Fee increased for Birth and Death Records to $20 effective July 22nd, 2007.
The passage of House Bill 1181, has amended RCW 70.58.107 to increase these fees to $20. The fee to the public is the same whether the copies are issued at the state or local level. The revenue from this fee increase will be used for the Death Investigation Account to assist local and state lab services for death investigations, including autopsies.
Health District Has Relocated Their Pasco Office
The Benton-Franklin Health District has moved from their old location on 1218 N. Fourth Street, Pasco to 412 W. Clark Street, Pasco.
The Health District had occupied their original location since 1948 but has since outgrown the facility. The Franklin County Commissioners have generously renovated and leased their facility, located at 412 W. Clark, to the Health District. This facility will allow the Health District to better serve the needs of the community.
More information
Our 'food safety inspection reports' are now available online.
Enter the site to read about our food safety inspection program, search the inspection records of food establishments in our area, and learn more about safe food handling practices that you can do at home.
Recent cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome
As of August 15th, the Benton-Franklin Health District has received five reports of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal respiratory disease spread by deer mice. The recent cases remind us to be careful when working in and around cabins, buildings, sheds, and barns where mice have left droppings. Hantavirus can infect people if they inhale dirt and dust contaminated with mouse urine or droppings, such as when people stir up dust while working in, or cleaning out, storage units and sheds. Read more...
Pandemic Influenza Information
"Smile Survey" shows that many children in Washington
continue to suffer unnecessarily from tooth decay.
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On December 8, 2005, Washington will become the 10th state to implement a comprehensive statewide law prohibiting smoking in all indoor public places.
For more information go to:
Washington state residents voted on November 8, 2005, to amend the 1985 Clean Indoor Air Act. Initiative Measure 901 will expand the definition of “public place” to include a reasonable distance around each public facility, defined as 25 feet from entrances, exits, windows that open, and ventilation intakes that serve an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited. The definition of “public place” includes private residences used to provide licensed childcare, foster care, adult care, or similar social services. The definition would also be expanded to include the following types of facilities: schools, bars, taverns, bowling centers, skating rinks, casinos, reception areas, and at least 75 percent of the sleeping quarters within a hotel or motel and rented to guests.
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BioSecurity for the Birds.
To report sick birds, bird and poultry owners can contact the Washington State Department of Agriculture at (360) 902-1878 or the US Department of Agriculture (360) 753-9430.
More information.
For additional information regarding Biosecurity for the Birds, visit Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
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Bats and Rabies
The number of calls from people finding bats in and around their homes has been increasing and the temperature decreases. Bats hibernate during the winter and are looking for warm places to roost. Why the concern? Here in Washington the only known carrier of the rabies virus are bats. Rabies is a severe viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is almost always fatal. This does not mean that people should be afraid of bats and senselessly kill them, but they should treat them with respect, caution and distance.
Keeping yourself and your family safe from rabies is simple:
- Vaccinate your pets; and
- Leave bats alone, even the dead ones.
Bats do not attack people; however, they will bite if touched. Any bat found outdoors under unusual circumstances (acting sick, on the ground, or during the daytime) should left alone. Keep your pets and children away from the area where the bat was found. More often than not, come nightfall, the bat will leave.
Any bats found indoors must be assessed to determine the possibility of human exposure. Please call the Benton-Franklin Health District at 509-582-7761 ext 246 to report the finding of a bat inside your home and to receive advice about the possibility of exposure to rabies. Once an exposure has been established, and if the bat is available, it will be collected and sent off for testing. If the bat is not available to test, consultation with a physician will be necessary.
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Community Assessment
In 2003, the Benton Franklin Health District embarked on a community assessment which was based on the Key Health Indicator Report Card which is part of Washington State’s Public Health Improvement Partnership. Utilizing the framework of the state-wide indicators, an assessment was done to approximate the measurements on the state report card. The Gilmore Research Group in Seattle was the contractor for administering and analyzing the telephone survey based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Additional data was collected to complete the report card and the total results were compiled as part of a thesis by an MPH student from the University of Washington.
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Is your pet’s shot schedule current?
A recent case of rabies in a cat has been confirmed in Walla Walla county. Rabies is an extremely rare, but severe viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is almost always fatal. All warm-blooded mammals, including humans, are susceptible to rabies. Most cases of human rabies in the United States are caused by bat bites. To protect your pets and your family, make sure your pet (dog, cat or ferret) is vaccinated against rabies.
For more information on animal bites.
For more information on bats and Rabies.
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FREE PRESENTATIONS!
Look at the education programs we offer.
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Benton Franklin Health District