What's New

Summer is here for Benton and Franklin counties, which means that it's time to be on the lookout for harmful algae and cyanobacteria, also commonly referred to as toxic algae or blue-green algae.

Decluttering can be a great place to start working. Identify an easily accessible, designated place for each item in the vicinity it will be used. Establishing a place where items are kept helps prevent rummaging around to find reading glasses or the remote control.

You can prepare for the heat this weekend by knowing if you or your loved ones are more sensitive to heat, paying attention to any signs that you are overheating, and being careful around cold water.

The HOPE framework focuses on the need to actively promote positive childhood experiences and community environments that contribute to healthy development and well-being, as well as prevent or mitigate the effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and other negative environmental influences.

A safe playground encourages children to be physically active and engage in outdoor play, which is essential for their physical and mental well-being. However, it is important to help children have a safe experience playing outside and prevent serious injuries on the playground.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Awareness Month, recognized in March, as the weather warms up and children start to spend more time outdoors this is a great time to review all the safety tips to prevent TBIs.

Poisoning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death among children ages 1 to 19 years. In 2021, Poison Help responded to more than 2 million human exposure cases; on average, receiving an exposure case every 15 seconds. Some of the leading exposure substance categories included cleaning supplies and cosmetic/personal care products - all of which are common household items.

Norovirus is a very contagious virus commonly referred to as "food poisoning," the "stomach bug," or the "stomach flu." The norovirus infection causes gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines), which can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and sometimes fevers.

What a great time to explore ways to celebrate independence while also planning to create and maintain a safe environment for the years ahead.

A traumatic brain injury is a type of brain injury resulting from a sudden trauma that causes injury to the brain. For example, during skiing, if someone were to collide with a tree and hit their head at full-on impact, that could cause them to develop traumatic brain injury.

Here are a few safety reminders to keep you and your family safe this holiday. When you leave Christmas lights on for too long, they can become hot, creating a potential fire hazard.

With avian influenza (bird flu) in the news again, many people may wonder if it is safe to consume eggs and poultry products. The answer is yes; it is safe to eat poultry and eggs only if they properly handled and thoroughly cooked.

Tips to reduce fevers without medications and take an accurate temperature. Fevers are a very common sign that you are sick; it's also how your body fights against infections.

In Benton and Franklin Counties, the rise in RSV cases has contributed to an increase in emergency room visits. The CDC reports a higher-than-expected number and more severe cases of RSV this fall.

Prepare for winter storms before they arrive. Cold and dangers weather can increase the risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion so it's important to be as prepared as possible.

Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for people ages one to 44 in the United States. Injuries include traffic crashes and drowning, and intentional injuries involve violence inflicted on others as well as oneself.

Local schools are reporting a small number of chicken pox in the last few weeks. Chickenpox is a common childhood illness that is highly contagious and continues to circulate among young children from time to time

With the reduced visibility around popular trick-or-treating, it is essential to review a few safety tips to keep your family, neighbors, and all the pint-size ghouls and goblins safe.

It is our duty to protect and nurture our children’s physical, mental, and social well-being, and a large part of this is making sure that all children have access to clean air, clean water, safe food and products, stable climates, and healthy places to live, learn, and play.

This year, based on the rise in flu cases in the southern hemisphere, this year’s flu season in the U.S. may look more like those of pre-pandemic years.

The long-term goal of BFHD’s new program is to implement routine inspections in all Benton and Franklin County schools.

September is National Healthy Aging month. This is an annual opportunity to raise awareness of the health, well-being, and positive aspects of growing older.

BFHD launches a new website to bring awareness to lifesaving medicine, Naloxone

It takes a village to raise a child. Parents face a multitude of challenges in providing the best care for their child during the prenatal, labor, and delivery, as well as postnatal periods. Ongoing care for the child is also vital in ensuring both mothers and babies are properly supported.

Monkeypox cases are on the rise in the United States and in Washington State. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, the first case of monkeypox in Washington State was confirmed on May 27, 2022.

The most common types of hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The last two types of hepatitis (B and C) are the leading causes of liver cancer in the United States.

You may not need the info now but Mental Health Month gives us all the opportunity to find out about the services and supports are available during a crisis. So you can be prepared if you ever need it.

More than half of America’s public health workers report at least one symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey of nearly 45,000 employees in state and local government public health departments.

Substance use disorder can affect anyone, from any background. It touches every community.

What makes this year's festivities different? We learned a lot of things from the winter celebrations of 2020, a lot of what works, plus some that doesn't.

Carbon monoxide is called the invisible killer, because you cannot see or smell it. Carbon monoxide poisoning can come from portable generators, home heating systems and other CO-producing appliances. The majority of CO deaths occur in the colder months of the year between November and February.

The beginning of the school year can be overwhelming and exciting at the same time, both for kids and parents. As we all continue to keep ourselves as safe as possible during the pandemic, let’s not forget to remain vigilant in our efforts to stay safe while heading to and from school.

The Benton-Franklin Health District Board of Health has proclaimed May as Mental Health Month in Benton & Franklin Counties.

What programs are in the works? Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD) is working hard to connect resources and get vaccines in the arms of homebound individuals and folks in independent senior living.

You've probably heard the experts claiming the COVID-19 vaccines are up to 95% effective, which has been documented in trials. However, simply getting the shot isn't going to lead to immediate immunity at that level.

Healthy Washington—Roadmap to Recovery is a regional approach that replaces the county-specific Safe Start plan. Regions will work together to ensure our residents are healthy and safe as we look towards easing restrictions on activities by phases dependent upon their transmission risk.

Holiday travel is at its peak. Here is what you need to know if you plan to travel this holiday season.

By celebrating safely and protecting our vulnerable community, we give them the gift of health and another holiday seasonn next year.

The holidays will look different this year, but there's no better way to give thanks than to protect the ones you love.

Halloween kicks off our fall and winter holidays. The Health District has some tips and tricks to enjoying the holiday more safely.

Health Officer Dr. Amy Person has recommended that local schools prepare to implement hybrid learning.

A summer like no other is drawing to a close.

Contact tracing is an essential tool in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

Long-term care facilities can offer visitation options for their residents.

August 4th marks 6-months of Benton-Franklin Health District Response to COVID-19

Schools across the state are facing immensely difficult decisions about how to teach students during COVID-19 pandemic.

We're in Modified Phase 1, but what exactly does that mean?

Benton and Franklin County are in Phase 1 of the state’s Safe Start Recovery Plan. While we’ll have to skip the big Fourth of July celebrations this year, we encourage people to come up with creative ways to connect socially.

Testing capacity in our area has increased.

One way to reduce transmission of COVID-19 is through the use of face coverings.

We all play a part in moving our community forward towards recovery.

BFHD has worked closely with Long Term Care facilities to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to our most vulnerable community members

Mother's Day 2020 might look a little different from other years. Here are some creative ideas for celebrating Mom while staying home and staying safely.

Shopping at the Farmers Market will be different this year

The news is full of reports about antibody testing for COVID-19, but will it tell you everything you're hoping to know?

Like many everyday activities, grocery shopping is different during a pandemic.

Physical distancing is working, but that doesn't mean people should relax and start going out. It's more important than ever to stay home, stay healthy, and stay the course.

Disease investigation is a lot like detective work. We need to look at many pieces to complete the puzzle and identify people who are ill. How are you, when did you get it, who did you give it to?

As family pressures mount because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, domestic violence calls increase. Resources are still available for victims of domestic violence.

Helping others can get overwhelming. Use these tips to understand what compassion fatigue is and how to manage it.

Benton-Franklin Health District is recommending that all individuals cover their noses and mouths any time they leave home for essential needs

Our Long Term Care Team is vital for an Emergency Response Investigation like COVID-19, particularly when trying to safe guard some of our most vulnerable, high-risk population groups.

BFHD's Food Safety Program continues to monitor and work with food establishments to ensure the safety of food takeout and delivery.

Whether you’re a parent working from home or a family member, friend, or neighbor helping with childcare, here are some tips to keep young kids safe in your home.

“Some of us will be able to help others in need and some of us will need help.”

Benton-Franklin Health District is calling for health care volunteers to assist in the COVID-19 outbreak.

Social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation. BFHD encourages you to Safely Connect.

Social distancing slows the spread of COVID-19. The health of our community and our staff are our top priorities. Everyone in Benton and Franklin Counties should be practicing social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD) was notified today that two more local residents have tested positive for COVID-19.

Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD) was notified today that a local woman who passed away in a local hospital over the weekend tested positive for COVID-19. She was in her 80s with underlying health conditions.

Benton-Franklin Health District was notified today that a local resident has tested positive for COVID-19.

This morning, Governor Jay Inslee announced that restaurants, bars, clubs, and other recreational facilities are to close in order to avoid unnecessary interactions with crowds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BFHD is recommending additional social distancing for people at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

This blogpost contains answers to frequently asked question that BFHD has been receiving about testing and reporting.

Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD) is currently conducting a Customer Service Survey in order to ensure the highest quality and standards in our programs, services, and practices

About 12% of people statewide and 9.48% of people locally report that they suffer from food insecurity. In addition, Washington State recently passed legislation that set a statewide goal of reducing food waste by 50% by the year 2030.

Benton-Franklin Health District Joins Statewide Effort to Educate Public About Tobacco and Vapor 21 Legislation

A former Franklin County inmate has tested positive for hepatitis A. She was incarcerated in the Franklin County jail in September, after which she returned to Spokane. Washington State is experiencing a hepatitis A outbreak in multiple counties, including Spokane; this is the first case linked to our area.

An updated version of the Benton-Franklin Health District’s Food Establishment Enforcement Policy was placed in effect July 1, 2019.

Wildfire season is here and it’s important to be aware of the health hazards of wildfire smoke

Every year, the Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD) publishes an Annual Report meant to inform stakeholders and the community about the previous year’s accomplishments, highlights, and finances.

The Benton-Franklin Health District Food Safety Program recently investigated an outbreak of norovirus that was linked to a local restaurant.

The opioid epidemic is a complex problem that needs a comprehensive and collective approach. BFHD supports syringe service programs as well as any strategies that are effective and evidence-based.

The Assessment and Data team at Benton-Franklin Health District recently released a 2018 Health Disparities Report. This report was based on a model used by Kitsap Public Health and compiled local data for the bi-county region from multiple sources regarding a variety of health topics including health outcomes (diseases, hospitalizations, births, etc.) and health risk factors (healthy weight, physical activity level, poverty rates, etc.). The purpose of this report was to identify and highlight the health disparities that exist in the local community between demographic groups. The demographic groups examined in this report were based on race, gender, and sexual orientation.