Issue 22 Spring 2025

immunization awareness

April is a significant month for immunizations, join us in spreading awareness for:

Adolescent Immunization Action Week (Apr 7-14) reminds families the importance of keeping adolescents up-to-date on recommended vaccines.
National Infant Immunization Week (Apr 21-28) emphasizes the critical role of immunizations in protecting infants.
World Immunization Week (Apr 24-30) reinforces the global effort to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases.

As immunization advocates, our role is essential in strengthening immunity and protecting our communities across the lifespan. Let's not allow vaccine-preventable diseases to regain ground. Every conversation, every vaccination, and every effort makes a difference.

To request a vaccine clinic in Snohomish County (subject to availability of staff, vaccines, and health equity considerations), fill out this form: https://forms.office.com/g/MaHPrCji0D.

Alcohol isn't just a drink, it's a risk for cancer

APRIL IS NATIONAL ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH

Did you know that alcohol is a major risk factor for cancer? To promote health and well-being, we can ensure that communities are protected by effective alcohol policies and family-based interventions. Learn more about family-based interventions to prevent substance use among youth: Substance Use: Family-based Interventions to Prevent Substance Use Among Youth.

Join us as we: Raise awareness about alcohol-related harms and the importance of strong alcohol policies using social media memes based on data. Educate decision-makers about effective alcohol policies by providing easy-to-personalize, templated opinion editorials, letters to legislators, and proclamations. Click here to access Northwest Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network's toolkit: Alcohol Awareness Toolkit - Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network.

national drug take back day

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) National Drug Take Back (NDTB) Day is on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. NDTB day is a free, safe, anonymous, and convenient way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs and prevent opioid and prescription medication misuse in your community. Dispose of unused or expired medication or volunteer at a Take Back Day collection event near you! Visit the DEA’s Collection Site Locator page and enter your location information. Unable to attend? Visit WA's safe medication return (SMR) website to find a permanent safe disposal kiosk or location near you.

Be SMART Webinar – Secure Firearm Storage Saves Kids' Lives

Join us for a free 1-hour webinar on June 10^th 7:00 – 8:00 p.m with Be SMART and the Snohomish County Health Department, hosted by Providence Hospital. Be SMART is a public education campaign that focuses on preventing child gun injuries and death by promoting responsible gun storage and ownership. Our goal is to create safer environments for children and our community by fostering open conversations and sharing practical safety practices and resources.

Register here. If you have questions about the class, email Sarah Brouwer at Sarah.brouwer@providence.org. Learn more about Be SMART: Be SMART | Secure Gun Storage.

fall prevention 101

Stay active, independent, and injury-free by preventing falls! Join us for this presentation on Tuesday, April 29th, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm PST, in-person at Stilly Valley Health Connections in Arlington to discover practical strategies for reducing the risk of falls that come with age. The class will also cover how to manage vision and medical needs, eliminate tripping hazards at home, and choose the right support equipment to improve safety and mobility. There will be time for questions and discussion following the presentation. Instruction for this program is provided by experts with Skagit Regional Health. It is free and open to anyone in the community. For more information and how to register, view the flyer here: 4.29.25 Fall Prevention Flyer.

If you are interested in fall prevention work, join our next Snohomish County Fall’s Prevention Coalition meeting June 23rd ,1:00 – 2:30 p.m. For the invite, contact carlie.deatherage@co.snohomish.wa.us.

Summer is around the corner. The Healthy Communities team wishes you a safe and healthy summer! Click here to download the Safe and Healthy Summer flyer.