Veterinary Tranquilizer Xylazine Linked to a Growing Number of Overdose Deaths

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has issued a public safety alert warning Americans about the dangers of a drug called Xylazine. Other counties in Washington State are seeing this drug in their communities, and we think xylazine is likely...

An Update on Our Housing and Homelessness Programs

Earlier this week we provided the Whatcom County Council with an update on our housing and shelter programs. We also want to provide you, our community, with this information. Our department supports a broad range of programs that help people who are unho...

UPDATE: No Toxins Found in Padden Algae

Update March 8, 2023:

No toxin was detected in sample results from algae tested at Padden Creek. 

Original Text Below, Published on 3/2/2023 

The City of Bellingham and Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) are responding to ...

Whatcom Residents Invited to Share Opinions and Experiences around Immunization in Online Survey

We want to understand your feelings and experiences around vaccines, and we have created a survey for you to share your opinions with us. This survey is open to anyone in Whatcom County who is 18 or older. It is completely anonymous and takes about five m...

March Pop-up Clinics

Where to get vaccinated. Children 6 months and older, adolescents, teens and adults can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at most places you would go for a flu vaccine, like grocery stores, pharmacies and health care clinics. Grocery stores and pharmac...

Biotoxin Closures Modified at Various South Whatcom Beaches

Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) biotoxin levels have dropped in butter clams in some south Whatcom beaches. In response, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has modified the recreational biotoxin closure for Bellingham Bay and Chuckanut Ba...

Whatcom County Respiratory Illness Rates Fall to Seasonal Levels

In early December we saw alarmingly high increases in viral respiratory illnesses, especially flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. November and December combined surges of these viruses led to the highest numbers of daily emergency departm...

Whatcom County Health Department Announces Name Change

On Tuesday, January 31, Whatcom County Health Department announced a name change to Whatcom County Health and Community Services. This change better reflects the department’s duties and responsibilities. 

With the launch of the Response ...

Food Plan Open House Provides In-Person Feedback Opportunity

Community members are invited to an open house to review the Draft Whatcom County Food System Plan. The Food System Plan outlines goals, objectives, and actions that strengthen our local food system. The open house is an opportunity to discuss, assess and...

February Pop-up Clinics

Where to get vaccinated. Children 6 months and older, adolescents, teens and adults can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at most places you would go for a flu vaccine, like grocery stores, pharmacies and health care clinics. Grocery stores and pharmac...

New Program to Address Bellingham 911 Calls for Mental Health, Social Welfare

Bellingham has a new program that will send a behavioral health specialist and a public health nurse to respond to specific non-violent behavioral health 911 calls. The Alternative Response Team (ART) is an innovative program based out of the Whatcom Coun...

Southern Whatcom County Beaches Shellfish Closure Upgraded: Closed for Butter and Varnish Clams Only

Biotoxin levels have dropped in molluscan shellfish in southern Whatcom County.  In response, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has upgraded the closure to Butter and Varnish clams Only on recreational harvest from Sandy Point south...

Volunteers Needed to Support Severe Winter Shelter Providers

With the very cold weather we have seen in the last week, we want to thank our nonprofit partners who have operated severe winter overnight shelters and day-use warming facilities for our unhoused neighbors - Road2Home and Ferndale Community Services.&...

January Pop-up Clinics

Where to get vaccinated. Children 6 months and older, adolescents, teens and adults can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at most places you would go for a flu vaccine, like grocery stores, pharmacies and health care clinics. Grocery stores and pharmac...

Due to Surge in Respiratory Illness, Health Officials Recommend Wearing Masks Indoors

Communities across our state and around the U.S. are experiencing an unprecedented surge in viral respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19. As health officers and healthcare leaders working to improve the ...

Next steps for improving outcomes for children and families after passage of Proposition 5

The Healthy Children’s Initiative (Proposition 5), to establish a dedicated fund to support young children and their families, was approved today. Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) will be the administrator of that fund. WCHD is committed ...

December Pop-up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Where to get vaccinated. Children 5 years and older, adolescents, teens and adults can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at most places you would go for a flu vaccine, like grocery stores, pharmacies and health care clinics. Grocery stores and pharmaci...

Wild Birds Found Dead at Wiser Lake; avoid Handling Sick or Dead Birds

Whatcom County Health Department and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) ask the public to avoid contact with sick and dead birds to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also called bird flu. 

Western W...

Hospital Capacity Very Low; Stores Seeing Shortages of Kids’ Fever Meds

Respiratory Illness Continues to Severely Impact Hospitals, Now Whatcom Stores Also  Experiencing Shortages of Kids’ Fever Medications 

Two weeks ago we sent out a message to let you know that we’re seeing a l...

Backyard Poultry Sickens Three, One Hospitalized in Salmonella Exposure

Two Whatcom County residents have been sickened by Salmonella from backyard poultry and a third Whatcom County case is suspected. One of these individuals was hospitalized but has since been released. Thirty-seven Salmonella cases in Washington State have...

Bellingham, Whatcom County partnering with Road2Home for winter emergency shelter

The Whatcom County Health Department and City of Bellingham have partnered with Road2Home (R2H) to offer additional overnight shelter and daytime warming options when weather is severe enough to threaten health and safety. These temporary facilities will ...

Large Increase in Respiratory Virus Impacting Kids in Western Washington

A surge of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases in children has contributed to a shortage of hospital beds for children in our region and put a strain on our pediatric healthcare system. This means kids that need special care might need to be transferr...

Masks Still Required in Certain Settings After October 31

The governor’s COVID emergency declaration will expire today, Oct. 31. The Secretary of Health’s face covering order, however, continues to require masks be worn in some settings for people 5 years and older. The Secretary of ...

November Pop-up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Where to get vaccinated. Children 5 years and older, adolescents, teens and adults can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at most places you would go for a flu vaccine, like grocery stores, pharmacies and health care clinics. Grocery stores and pharmaci...

Whatcom County Sees First Influenza Death of the 2022-2023 Flu Season

Whatcom County recorded its first influenza (“flu”) death of the 2022-2023 flu season this week. Across the country, flu illness and death trends are much higher than in the last two years, and statistics suggest this winter could be worse than a typical ...

Protect Yourself From Smokey Air - Stay Indoors or Use a High-Quality Mask

The air quality alert for smoke in Whatcom County remains in effect until 5 pm tomorrow.

Poor air quality due to wildfire smoke can affect everyone. Smoke impacts the lungs, and it can increase risk of conditions like heart disease and stroke. If you must ...

Free COVID-19 Tests Still Available Through Say Yes! COVID Test Program

Parents - and everyone else - did you know that you can still order free at-home COVID-19 tests to use when your kiddos - or yourself - are sick? Free at-home COVID-19 tests are still available through the Washington State Say Yes! COVID Test Program. You...

Four More Monkeypox Virus Vaccine Clinics Announced, Online Registration Required

We are hosting free Monkeypox Virus vaccine clinics every Tuesday for the next four weeks:

• October 11
• October 18
• October 25
• November 1

These clinics are for people who are unable to get the vaccine from their healthcare provider. Advanced registration is requi...

Children’s Health Month is a Great Time to Schedule Kids’ Routine Immunizations, Dental Visits

October is National Children’s Health Month, and today we celebrate ways to keep kids healthy. We know some children missed out on well-child visits in the last two years during the coronavirus pandemic, but babies and kids can’t wait ...

October Pop-up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Where to get vaccinated. Children 5 years and older, adolescents, teens, and adults can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at most places you would go for a flu vaccine, like grocery stores, pharmacies, and health care clinics. Grocery stores and pharma...

Free Monkeypox Vaccination Clinic set for Tuesday, Advanced Registration Required

The Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) is hosting a Monkeypox Virus (MPV) vaccination clinic on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 1500 N. State St. Bellingham. 

WCHD has a limited supply of MPV vaccine and asks that anyone who signs up self-identify as mee...

Upcoming Free Septic Homeowner Trainings

The Whatcom County Health Department is offering free trainings that allow homeowners to perform a required septic evaluation and become eligible for septic system rebates.

 At this free, two-hour workshop, homeowners will:

• Learn how to maintain yo...

How to Report At-Home COVID-19 Test Results

People can now report the results of an at-home COVID-19 test at https://safercovid.org/mytest/. People can report both positive and negative results for themselves or a family member. 

In the past, people had to call the Washington State Departme...

Health Department Urges Preventative Measures as Whatcom Sees Second Monkeypox Case

A person in their 20s has become the second Whatcom County resident with confirmed Monkeypox Virus (MPV). This person was not hospitalized and is isolating at home. We are working to identify anyone who may be a close contact of this person. 

It i...

Variant-specific COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Availability in Whatcom County

Anyone 12 and older can now get the new Moderna and Pfizer booster shot that helps to protect against the COVID-19 Omicron variants. These new booster shots are coming to local pharmacies soon and will be offered at our pop-up clinic this Friday, Sept. 9,...

September Pop-up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Where to get vaccinated. Children 5 years and older, adolescents, teens and adults can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at most places you would go for a flu vaccine, like grocery stores, pharmacies and health care clinics. Grocery stores and pharmaci...

COVID-19 Testing Moves from Bellingham Airport to Avero Diagnostics Drive-Through

Today, Aug. 31, our testing partner, Avero Diagnostics (formerly Northwest Laboratory) will end drive-through COVID-19 tests at the Bellingham International Airport community site. Avero Diagnostics  will continue to offer this service at their M...

Upcoming Whatcom County Health Department Office Closures

In the coming weeks, there will be several days when our offices will be closed to the public while several of our programs move from one building to another. Most of our programs will continue to be available via phone and email on these days - only our ...

Changes Coming Next Week to Whatcom's COVID-19 Data Dashboard

We will soon make changes to the COVID-19 data dashboard on our website. A lot has changed since the pandemic started more than two years ago, and some aspects of the dashboard are not useful anymore. Other information is now easily avai...

Anatoxin Biotoxin Found at High Levels in Wiser Lake

BELLINGHAM WA – Recent sampling at Wiser Lake detected anatoxin, a toxin produced by algae, at levels that may be harmful to people and pets. Residents are advised to avoid water contact at Wiser Lake and not allow pets to swim in or drink from the lake.

How to Access Urgent and Emergency Care for Veterans

Calling all US Military Veterans! You can access urgent care right here in Bellingham/Whatcom County without going to a VA clinic. 

If you are registered with the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), here is how you can access urgent and emerge...

Health Department Investigating First Monkeypox Virus Case in Whatcom County

On Monday we sent you a message that Whatcom County could see our first case of monkeypox virus (MPV) very soon, and now we can confirm that a Whatcom County resident has a confirmed case of MPV. 

A person in their 50s tested positive yes...

August Pop-up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Where to get vaccinated. Children 5 years and older, adolescents, teens and adults can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at most places you would go for a flu vaccine, like grocery stores, pharmacies and health care clinics. Grocery stores and pharmaci...

Here’s What We Know Right Now about Monkeypox

You may have heard or seen reports in the news about a virus called Monkeypox that is circulating in the U.S. and in Washington State. Right now, we do not have any confirmed cases of Monkeypox (MPV) in Whatcom County, but we may see our first case of thi...

Health Department Releases Analysis of Whatcom’s First Two Years With COVID-19

Today we released an analysis of local COVID-19 data for the first two years of the pandemic, from March 2020 through February 2022. The report focuses on four major focus areas: confirmed cases, hospitalizations, deaths, and vaccinations. 

• View a...

New Hours At COVID-19 Community Testing Site Start Monday, Aug. 1

Starting Monday, Aug. 1, the COVID-19 community testing site at the Bellingham Airport will have reduced weekday operating hours and will be closed on weekends. This change is due to decreased demand for testing services.

COVID-19 testing appointments are ...

How to Get a Free COVID-19 Treatment Consultation

Do you have COVID-19? Speak with a provider to see if treatment is right for you. 

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) offers same day or next day virtual appointments for anyone who wants to speak to a medical professional about COVID...

2022 Homelessness Count Shows Modest Reduction After Record Highs in 2021

The Whatcom County Health Department, in partnership with the Opportunity Council, published the 2022 Point in Time (PiT) Homelessness Count report today, Friday, July 22. The report provides a snapshot of persons experiencing homelessness in Whatcom Coun...

Food System Plan Community Listening Session Saturday, July 24

Our Food System Committee is partnering with local nonprofits to host a community listening session from noon to 2pm this Sunday, July 24, at Shuksan Middle School. Come share your thoughts and opinions on what should be included in Whatcom County’s next ...

Introducing The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline debuted Saturday, July 16. This free and confidential 24/7 national lifeline connects people in need to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 

People can use the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for ...

Now's the Time to Prepare for Smoke Season

Now is the time to prepare for smoke season! Do not wait until unhealthy air is in the forecast because you risk not being able to find what you need. Here are some things to do now to prepare for smoke season later this summer:

• Stock up on N95 and similar...

Hot Safety Tips for a Cool 4th of July Weekend

As we celebrate Independence Day with friends and family, here are a few safety tips for your outdoor barbecue or fireworks experience:

Food-Borne Illnesses 

If you are on grill duty, make sure you are storing and cooking your food properly and was...

Biotoxin Closure Expanded in Whatcom County

BELLINGHAM, WA — Unsafe levels of Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) biotoxin are now detected in molluscan shellfish in all Whatcom County waters.  To protect the public, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) expand...

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 6 Months and Older Now Approved

COVID-19 vaccines are now approved for children as young as six months old. Not all clinics and providers are ready right now to administer the vaccine, and we ask that parents remain patient as providers work through the initial rush for vaccination, now...

Upcoming June Pop-up COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Where to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are available for adolescents, teens and adults at most places that offer flu vaccines such as grocery stores, pharmacies and health care clinics. Some of these providers also vaccinate 5- to 11-year-olds. There ...

Whatcom Back in CDC’s ‘Medium’ Risk Category

Whatcom County is back in the ‘Medium’ category on the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Level dashboard. Our case rates are increasing as we head into the long Memorial Day weekend. Take steps to reduce your risk and have a safer holiday:

• Wearing a mask is not req...

New Weekend Hours At COVID-19 Community Testing Site Start May 28

Starting Saturday, May 28, the COVID-19 community testing site at the Bellingham International Airport will have reduced morning operating hours on weekends. Testing hours Monday through Friday will not change.

COVID-19 testing appointments are a...

Children Ages 5-11 Now Eligible for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Booster Dose

Children ages 5-11 are now eligible to receive a single Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster in Washington State.

• If your child has a healthy immune system, they can get their booster at least five (5) months after their primary series.
• If your child ha...

The CDC’s COVID-19 dashboard shows Whatcom at ‘low’ risk. The reality is more nuanced.

You may have noticed that the CDC has moved Whatcom County back to ‘low’ on their COVID-19 dashboard. The reality is that our case rates continue to hover on the border between low and medium based on CDC criteria. The agency’s dashboard currently shows W...

COVID-19 drugs work best when taken at the start of illness

If you're at increased risk of severe COVID-19 and test positive, start drug treatments right away

For people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, drugs are available that can reduce your chances of severe illness and death...

Avian Influenza detected in Whatcom County backyard flock; Prevention important for domestic birds

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has confirmed Whatcom County’s first case of avian influenza in a backyard flock. Bird owners should take measures now to prevent contact between their animals and wild birds to prevent infection. Peop...

Whatcom moves from low to medium on CDC's COVID-19 tracker: Get tips on how to stay healthy

The CDC has moved Whatcom County from low to medium on its COVID-19 Community Tracker. Here are some important steps you and your family can take to stay healthy, protect our most vulnerable, and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community:

• Stock...

So, what do you do when your at-home COVID-19 test is positive?

Report your positive home test by calling the Washington State Department of Health at 1-800-525-0127. This hotline is staffed seven days a week. Mondays 6 am - 10 pm and Tuesdays through Sundays 6 am - 6 pm.

Isolate yourself away from others, including ot...

Suspected botulism death in Washington State; Learn more about safe canning

A man is suspected of dying from botulisum poisoning after eating food canned at home. This tragic incident is a reminder to always follow safety precautions when processing home-canned foods.

It can be hard to tell if home-canned food is ...

Updates to Whatcom County Health Department Community Pop-up Vaccination Clinics

Starting in May, the Whatcom County Health Department will adjust operations at Whatcom County hosted pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics to better align with current demand. This means there will be fewer clinics in May. Signage will be provided to all c...

Free One Day Health Fair at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center Planned for May 21

On Saturday, May 21, the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center will transform into a healthcare center, offering community members free health, vision, and dental services at the Catherine Mahaffey East Whatcom Wellness Fair. Lo...

Upcoming Pop up COVID Vaccine Clinics, 4/22/22

Where to get vaccinated. Adolescents, teens and adults can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at most places you’d go for a flu vaccine, like grocery stores, pharmacies and health care clinics. Some of these providers also vaccinate 5- to 11-year-olds. There are...

Whatcom County COVID Update for 4/15/22

These updates will include COVID-19 news, summarize publicly available COVID-19 and vaccination data, and provide some context and details to help you understand what’s happening with COVID-19 in our community.

Currently, this report covers the month of Ma...

Whatcom County Health Department Launches New COVID-19 Data Dashboard

On Thursday, April 14, the Whatcom County Health Department debuted a new COVID-19 Data Dashboard, replacing the previous dashboard on the Whatcom County COVID-19 Data page. The dashboard provides summary information on COVID-19 in Whatcom County. The das...

Upcoming Pop up COVID Vaccine Clinics 4/8/22

Where to get vaccinated. Adolescents, teens and adults can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at most places you’d go for a flu vaccine, like grocery stores, pharmacies and health care clinics. Some of these providers also vaccinate 5- to 11-year-olds....

Whatcom County Health Department Launches New Response Division

On Friday, April 1st, the Whatcom County Health Department officially launched its Response Systems Division, a new division focused on serving people in mental or behavioral health crises and building infrastructure to provide coordinated services. The d...

Whatcom County COVID Update for 4/1/22

These updates will include COVID-19 news, summarize publicly available COVID-19 and vaccination data, and provide some context and details to help you understand what’s happening with COVID-19 in our community.

Currently, our updates and external...

What We Know About BA.2

BA.2 is the new COVID-19 variant on the block, a subvariant of Omicron. While we are still learning more, here’s some information about what we do know:

• BA.2 is rapidly spreading through much of the world. According to the CDC COVID-19 variant tr...