by Kate Evans The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO are warning about the substantial rise in cases of measles and whooping cough (pertussis) in the United States and globally. Health officials say inadequate vaccination rates globally has brought these childhood diseases back to the U.S. after[Read More…]
Health
“Triple threat” illness season brings reminders to get updated flu and COVID shots
With flu season upon us and COVID on the move, it’s time to think about getting your updated COVID-19 and seasonal influenza shots for 2024-2025. Health officials remain concerned about the triple threat of COVID, seasonal influenza and (respiratory syncytial virus) RSV and other respiratory viruses during the upcoming holiday[Read More…]
COVID surges exist in many states; vaccines advised
by Kate Evans Many states across the country are experiencing a summer surge of COVID-19, including Western states such as Texas and California and some Eastern states like Florida and North Carolina that are showing very high levels of the virus. Nationally, wastewater viral activity from COVID is very high[Read More…]
Hot car temps pose seasonal risk to kids, loved ones and pets
by Kate Evans In this season’s persistent high temperatures, people are urged to take extra steps to prevent a hot car death tragedy involving their children, loved ones and pets. Nationwide, seven children have died so far this year from being trapped or left inside a hot vehicle, according to[Read More…]
Blood drive in Hagerstown set for July 16
The Washington County Public Safety Training Center will host a blood drive for the American Red Cross on Tuesday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Blood donations play a vital role in emergency situations, surgeries, cancer treatments, and other medical procedures. By donating blood, you become a real-life[Read More…]
State health agency to hold public listening sessions on health department improvements
Maryland’ s Commission on Public Health will hold a public listening session for western Maryland on Thursday, May 23 from 5-6 p.m. in the Washington County Health Department’ s Behavioral Health Services Building at 925 N. Burhans Blvd. Members of the public are invited to attend the listening session in[Read More…]
Health Department provides county its first Narcan vending machines
New vending machines offering free doses of naloxone (Narcan) -the medication to reverse opioid overdoses- alongside other public health and wellness resources have been placed at three area locations with funds from a grant through the Washington County Health Department. The “Overdose Data-to-Action” grant through the Maryland Department of Health[Read More…]
The heart is the engine that keeps your body running
by Kate Evans The heart is a vital organ that keeps our bodies healthy and functioning well. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States today for both men and women, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources Office of Disease Prevention and[Read More…]
County Health Department joins downtown partnerships to provide essential care services
The Washington County Health Department recently joined several downtown partnerships to expand essential health care services primarily in Hagerstown. Every second Tuesday each month, teams from the health department will offer HIV, Hep C and syphilis education and testing at the Community Care Network of Washington County’s event from 4-7[Read More…]
Vaping & e-cigarettes not a “safe alternative” – highly addictive, dangerous for youth
by Kate Evans The use of e-cigarettes or vapes by high school students has grown substantially in the past five years as have health officials’ concerns about teen vaping. E-cigarettes or vapes usually contain nicotine from tobacco, along with flavorings and other additives. They can also deliver cannabis or other[Read More…]
