VERY HIGH TOXIN LEVEL AT ANDERSON LAKE

For Immediate Release

Contact: Michael Dawson

Jefferson County Water Quality

(360) 385-9444 x301

Samples taken Monday, May 13, found a very high level of algae toxin in Anderson Lake. Anatoxin-a was 4,933 micrograms per liter, more than 4,000 times the recrea...

Duckabush Estuary Commercial Shellfish Beds to Remain Closed for Summer

May 9, 2019

For Immediate Release

Contact: Anna Bachmann

Jefferson County Public Health

Phone: 360-385-9444 ext. 482

Jefferson County Environmental Public Health (JCEPH) has just completed three seasons of shoreline water quality monitoring from Dosewallips Ri...

Anderson Lake Closed Due to Toxin

May 9, 2019

For Immediate Release

Contact: Michael Dawson

Water Quality Manager

Jefferson County Public Health

(360) 385-9444

Port Townsend – High levels of the potent nerve toxin anatoxin-a were detected in a water sample taken from Anderson Lake on ...

Jefferson County Welcomes Community Voices in Health Assessment

April 25, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contacts:

John Nowak, Co-Executive Director, CHIP JNowak@jeffersonhealthcare.org

Bernadette Smyth, Project Coordinator, Public Health bsmyth@co.jefferson.wa.us

Jefferson County Public Health’s Community Health Improve...

Jefferson County Board of Health Honors 2019 Public Health Heroes

April 19, 2019

For Immediate Release 

Jefferson County Community Health

Vicki Kirkpatrick, Director

360.385.9400

Jefferson County Board of Health Honors 2019 Public Health Heroes

A retired NASA research scientist, an organization that connects students...

Safe Disposal Prescription Meds - Saturday, 4/27

April 9, 2019

For Immediate Release

Denise Banker

Jefferson County Community Health

(360) 385-9438

Dispose Unused or Expired Medicationsat Two Locations: QFC, Port Hadlock and Safeway, Port TownsendSaturday, April 27th, 2019

Port Townsend – J...

Jefferson County Public Health is Celebrating 2019 National Public Health Week Beginning April 1st

February 28, 2019 

For Immediate Release 

Contact: Jenny MatterJefferson County Public Health(360) 385-9400 - Clinic

Port Townsend – Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) is celebrating National Public Health Week April 1...

Access to Dental Care - Smile Mobile comes to Port Townsend

February 27, 2019

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Karen ObermeyerJefferson County Public Health(360) 385-9417

Access to Dental Care - Smile Mobile Comes to Port Townsend

Port Townsend, WA – Jefferson County Public Health is hosting the Smile Mobile &...

UW Olympic Natural Resources Center (ONRC) Meeting 1/15 4-6pm

January 9, 2019

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Tami PokornyJefferson County Environmental Public Health(360) 379-4498, tpokorny@co.jefferson.wa.us

 UW Olympic Natural Resources Center (ONRC)

Port Townsend - Announcing the UW Olympic Natural Resources...

Climate Action Committee Positions Available

January 15, 2019

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Laura TuckerJefferson County Public Health(360) 379-4491

Climate Action Committee Positions Available

Port Townsend, WA –

The County encourages active participation in local government by soliciting int...

Students get more support for healthy choices

January 11, 2019

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Denise BankerJefferson County Public Health(360) 385-9417

Students get more support for healthy choices

Port Townsend, WA –Jefferson County Public Health has secured funding to reduce underage substanc...

Open Space Project Applications Welcomed

January 9, 2019

For Immediate Release 

Contact:  Tami Pokorny

Natural Resources Program Coordinator

Jefferson County Environmental Public Health

(360) 379-4498, tpokorny@co.jefferson.wa.us

Port Townsend – Jefferson County wel...

Parent Workshop Offered - Guiding Good Choices

January 2, 2019For Immediate Release Contact:Denise BankerJefferson County Public Health(360) 385-9438

Port Townsend – The Empowered Teens Coalition is hosting a 5-week parent enrichment workshop, Guiding Good Choices, for parents and car...

Jefferson County Environmental Public Health Extended Office Hours

December 21st, 2018

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Stuart Whitford, Director

Jefferson County Environmental Public Health

(360) 385-9411

JEFFERSON COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION TO EXTEND OFFICE HOURS ON FRIDAYS TO 9:00AM – 4:30PM, BEGINN...

Anderson Lake at Warning Level

November 29, 2018FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality ManagerJefferson County Public Health360-385-9444 x301

Anderson Lake at Warning Level

Port Townsend – A toxic cyanobacteria (bluegreen algae) bloom that...

Limited Shellfish Opening at Fort Flagler, Kilisut Harbor and Mystery Bay

November 29, 2018FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality ManagerJefferson County Public Health360-385-9444 x301

Limited Shellfish Opening at Fort Flagler, Kilisut Harbor and Mystery Bay

Port Townsend – Marine biotoxins...

Toxin Warning at Lake Leland

October 22, 2018FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality ManagerJefferson County Public Health360-385-9444 x301

TOXIN WARNING AT LAKE LELAND

Port Townsend – High levels of the toxin microcystin were detected in a water sample tak...

Safe Disposal Prescription Meds - Saturday, 10/27

October 11, 2018

For Immediate Release

Jefferson County Community Health

Denise Banker

360.385.9400

Dispose Unused or Expired Medications at Port Hadlock's Parking Lot Saturday, October 27, 2018 

Port Townsend – Je...

Jefferson County Environmental Health Updates

September 24th, 2018

For Immediate Release

Contact: Stuart Whitford

Environmental Health & Water Quality Manager

Jefferson County Environmental Public Health

(360) 385-9411

JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH TO RENAME

 ITS ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH...

Parent Workshop Offered - Guiding Good Choices

September 10, 2018For Immediate Release Contact:Denise BankerJefferson County Public Health(360) 385-9438

Port Townsend – The Empowered Teens Coalition is hosting a 5-week parent enrichment workshop, Guiding Good Choices, for pa...

The Jefferson County Accessible Community Advisory Committee, (ACAC)

For Immediate Release

August 31, 2018

Contact: Anna McEnery

(360) 385-9410

The Jefferson County Accessible Community Advisory Committee (ACAC) 

The Jefferson County Accessible Community Advisory Committee, (ACAC) is looking for additional projects for...

SHELLFISH HARVESTING AT FORT FLAGLER, MYSTERY BAY AND KILISUT HARBOR CLOSED DUE TO BIOTOXINS

August 29, 2018FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality ManagerJefferson County Public Health360-385-9444 x301

SHELLFISH HARVESTING OF ALL SPECIES AT FORT FLAGLER, MYSTERY BAY AND KILISUT HARBOR CLOSED DUE TO BIOTOXINS

Port Townsend&n...

Wildfires Impact Jefferson County’s Air Quality

For Immediate Release

August 21, 2018

Contact: Stuart Whitford

Jefferson County Environmental Health Director

(360) 385-9411 – Desk(360) 531-3560 - Cell

Wildfires Impact Jefferson County’s Air Quality

According to the AirNow website, the Por...

It’s Time for Back-to-School Vaccines!

For Immediate Release

August 13, 2018

Contact:

Marjorie Boyd

Jefferson County Public Health

(360) 385-9400

It’s Time for Back-to-School Vaccines!

Keep your children and teens safe, healthy, and ready for school by making sure they are up to date with required im...

Septic System-Related Rebates Available

For Immediate ReleaseAugust 1, 2018

Contact person:Denese Schauer

Jefferson County Public Health  

Phone: 360-385-9444

Septic System Inspection Rebate Program Is Back ...While Funds Last

Port Townsend – Do you have a residential sep...

Quilcene Beach Closed Due to Bacteria

Port Townsend – High levels of fecal bacteria at Quilcene Beach, 1731 Linger Longer Road, have prompted Jefferson County Public Health to issue a health advisory and post a closed sign at the beach. Samples taken Wednesday, July 18, and analyzed...

Quilcene Beach Reopened

Port Townsend – Due to declining bacteria levels, Jefferson County Public Health has removed the health advisory at Quilcene Beach, 1731 Linger Longer Road, and removed the closed sign. After resampling occurred at the beach, also known as Herb Beck Marin...

Fort Flagler and Kilisut Harbor Shellfish Beaches Re-Open

July 26th 2018FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:Contact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality ManagerJefferson County Public Health360-385-9444 x301

Fort Flagler and Kilisut Harbor Shellfish Beaches Re-Open

Port Townsend – Butter clams from Fort Flagler and Ki...

Shellfish Vibrio Illness Rates Increasing

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality ManagerJefferson County Public Health360-385-9444 x301

Port Townsend – Several cases of vibriosis have been confirmed in Jefferson County in people who have consumed raw shellfish. Vibri...

Brinnon Area Water Quality News, Spring 2018 Newsletter

See the Brinnon Area Water Quality Project Spring 2018 newsletter.

###

Always Working for a Safer & Healthier Jefferson County

Rabid Bat Season Begins in Washington State

For immediate release: June 18, 2018 

Contacts:    

Lisa McKenzie 360-385-9400

Rabid Bat Season Begins in Washington State

Springtime weather and increased insect populations are the signal for bats to end their winter hibernation a...

ANDERSON LAKE CLOSED DUE TO TOXIN

For Immediate Release

Contact: Michael Dawson

Water Quality Manager

Jefferson County Public Health

(360) 385-9444

Anderson Lake Closed Due to Toxin

Port Townsend – High levels of the potent nerve toxin anatoxin-a were detected in a water sample taken from Ander...

May’s rabid bat stats highest in 20 years

For immediate release: May 31, 2018 

Contacts:    

Liz Coleman, Environmental Public Health   360-481-2016Jessica Baggett, Disease Control and Health Statistics  360-338-5630

May’s rabid bat stats highest in 20 ye...

Jefferson County Food Safety Awards

May 23,  2018

For Immediate Release 

Contact:

Mina Kwansa

Jefferson County Environmental Public Health

(360) 379-4496

Jefferson County Food Safety Awards

23 Jefferson County Food Establishments Demonstrate Commitment to Achieving the Highest Fo...

Jefferson County Board of Health Honors 2018 Public Health Heroes

April 25, 2018

For Immediate Release 

Contact:  Jenny Matter

Jefferson County Community Health

(360) 385-9400 – Clinic

Port Townsend – Jefferson County Board of Health Honors 2018 Public Health Heroes ~ A dedicate...

Safe Disposal of Prescription Meds - Saturday, 4/28

Apr 10, 2018

For Immediate Release 

Jefferson County Community Health

Dr. Denise Banker, PhD

360.385.9400

Dispose Unused or Expired Medicationsat Safeway's Parking LotSaturday, April 28, 2018

Port Townsend – The Chimacum drug and alc...

Kindergarten Immunizations Available

April 5, 2018

For Immediate Release 

Contact:  Marjorie BoydJefferson County PublicHealth(360) 385-9400Tina HerschelmanJefferson Healthcare(360) 385-2200 extension 2005 

Port Townsend - Jefferson County – It&...

Lunch & Learn About Reducing Plastics, 4/18 @ 12-1:30pm

April 5, 2018

For Immediate Release 

Contact:  Laura TuckerJefferson County PublicHealth(360) 379-9400

 Lunch & Learn About Reducing PlasticsApril 18th, 12-1:30pm

Located at:The Food Co-op Annex1220 Lawrence StreetPort Townsend,...

Largest Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Kratom Widens - 10 cases in WA

UPDATE:  Largest Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Kratom Widens - 10 cases in WA

OLYMPIA -- Washington State Department of Health announced today that the Salmonella outbreak linked to kratom, a plant used for its stimulant effects and as an...

Largest Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Live Poultry

Largest Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Live Poultry

OLYMPIA -- Nationally, 2017 had more Salmonella cases linked to backyard poultry than ever recorded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Federal health officials tracked 1,120 c...

East Jefferson County Water Quality News, Winter 2018 Newsletter

See the East Jefferson County Water Quality News Winter 2018 newsletter, our bi-yearly status update on Water Quality projects in East Jefferson County, as well as other important water quality activities and opportunities.

###

Always Working for a Safer &a...

County Completes Chimacum and Ludlow Creeks Water Quality Projects

February 6, 2017

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Anna BachmannJefferson County Public Health(360) 385-9444 

County Completes Chimacum and Ludlow Creeks Water Quality Projects

Port Townsend – Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Water Quality division...

Bluegreen Algae Blooms Continue But Toxins Decline

January 26, 2018

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Michael Dawson

Jefferson County Community Health

(360) 385-9444 x301

Bluegreen Algae Blooms Continue But Toxins Decline

Port Townsend, WA – A bloom of bluegreen algae was found by Jefferson County Publi...

WA Healthplanfinder's Open Enrollment

October 5, 2017

For Immediate Release 

Jefferson County Community Health

360.385.9400

Need Health Insurance? Open EnrollmentRuns November 1, 2017 through January 15, 2018

Port Townsend – Jefferson County Public Health is reminding e...

Oak Bay Closed Due to Marine Biotoxins; Other Areas Open

October 13, 2017

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Michael DawsonJefferson County Environmental Health(360) 385-9444 ext. 301

Oak Bay Closed Due to Marine Biotoxins; Other Areas Open

Port Townsend – Shellfish from Oak Bay have been found to have high l...

The Power of Preparedness

September 10, 2017For Immediate Release Contact:Julia DanskinJefferson County Public Health(360) 385-9420

Port Townsend – September is National Preparedness Month. Join us as we support emergency preparedness efforts around the ...

Dept. of Health Urges Recreational Shellfish Harvesters to Follow ‘Three Cs’

August 31, 2017

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Michael DawsonJefferson County Environmental Health(360) 385-9444 ext. 301

Dept. of Health Urges Recreational Shellfish Harvesters to Follow ‘Three Cs’

Port Townsend - The Washington State Dep...

Lethal Levels of Shellfish Biotoxin Found at Fort Flagler; Port Townsend Bay Closes

August 30, 2017

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Michael DawsonJefferson County Environmental Health(360) 385-9444 ext. 301

Lethal Levels of Shellfish Biotoxin Found at Fort Flagler; Port Townsend Bay Closes

Port Townsend – Marine biotoxins that cause...

26 Local Eateries Receive the 2016 Award for Safe Food Handling

August 30th, 2017For Immediate ReleaseContact:  Stuart Whitford, DirectorJefferson County Environmental Health & Water Quality (360) 385-9444 x411

26 Local Eateries Receive the 2016 Award for Safe Food Handling

Representatives from 10 ...

Back to School Immunization Clinics Available

August 21, 2017

For Immediate Release 

Contact:  Margi Boyd

Jefferson County Community Health

(360) 385-9400 

Jefferson County – It’s time for back-to-school immunizations and numerous Jefferson County cl...

Port Ludlow including Mats Mats Bay Closed Due to Marine Biotoxins

August 24th, 2017For Immediate ReleaseContact: Mike DawsonJefferson County Environmental Health(360) 385-9444 ext. 301

Port Ludlow including Mats Mats Bay Closed Due to Marine Biotoxins

Port Townsend – Shellfish samples from Port Ludlow have been ...

Admiralty Inlet South to Kinney Point on Marrowstone Island Closed Due to Marine Biotoxins

August 23, 2017

For Immediate Release Contact: Stuart Whitford, DirectorJefferson County Environmental Health & Water Quality360.385.9411info@jeffersoncounty.publichealth.org

Admiralty Inlet South to Kinney Point on Marrowstone Island Closed Du...

Gibbs Lake Closed Due to Toxin

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Michael Dawson

Jefferson County Environmental Health

(360) 385-9444 x301

Port Townsend – High levels of the toxin microcystin were detected in a water sample taken from Gibbs Lake on Monday, August 14. The toxin level is 9.5 micr...

Hot Weather Safety for the Summer Months

August 14, 2017

For Immediate Release 

Contact:  Kathy Anderson

Jefferson County Community Health

(360) 385-9400 – Clinic

Port Townsend – A reminder we still have quite a bit of summer left, and the warmer weather gives us an opportu...

Port Townsend Bay, Kilisut Harbor and Mystery Bay Shellfish Closed Due to Marine Biotoxins

July 19, 2017

For Immediate Release Contact: Michael DawsonJefferson County Environmental Health360.385.9444 x301info@jeffersoncounty.publichealth.org

Port Townsend Bay, Kilisut Harbor and Mystery Bay Shellfish Closed Due to Marine Biotoxins

Port To...

Sports Physicals Available for Student Athletes

For Immediate Release Contact: Department of Public Health360.385.9400info@jeffersoncounty.publichealth.org

Sports Physicals Available for Student AthletesThe Jefferson County School Based Health Centers (SBHC) is offering sports physicals. Any in...

Discovery Bay and the Strait of Juan de Fuca Closed Due to Marine Biotoxins

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Michael Dawson

Jefferson County Environmental Health

(360) 385-9444 x301

Discovery Bay and the Strait of Juan de Fuca Closed Due to Marine Biotoxins

Port Townsend – Shellfish samples from Discovery Bay have been found to contain e...

Anderson Lake Closed Due to Toxins

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Michael Dawson

Jefferson County Environmental Health

(360) 385-9444 x301

Port Townsend –High levels of the potent nerve toxin anatoxin-a were detected in a water sample taken from Anderson Lake on Monday, May 22. &n...

VERY HIGH TOXIN LEVEL AT ANDERSON LAKE

For Immediate Release

Contact: Michael Dawson

Jefferson County Water Quality

(360) 385-9444 x301

Samples taken Monday, May 13, found a very high level of algae toxin in Anderson Lake. Anatoxin-a was 4,933 micrograms per liter, more than 4,000 times the recrea...

Anderson Lake Closed Due to Toxin

May 9, 2019

For Immediate Release

Contact: Michael Dawson

Water Quality Manager

Jefferson County Public Health

(360) 385-9444

Port Townsend – High levels of the potent nerve toxin anatoxin-a were detected in a water sample taken from Anderson Lake on Monday, Ma...

Limited Shellfish Opening at Fort Flagler, Kilisut Harbor and Mystery Bay

November 29, 2018FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality ManagerJefferson County Public Health360-385-9444 x301

Limited Shellfish Opening at Fort Flagler, Kilisut Harbor and Mystery Bay

Port Townsend – Marine biotoxins that caus...

Anderson Lake at Warning Level

November 29, 2018FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality ManagerJefferson County Public Health360-385-9444 x301

Anderson Lake at Warning Level

Port Townsend – A toxic cyanobacteria (bluegreen algae) bloom that has kept ...

Toxin Warning at Lake Leland

October 22, 2018FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality ManagerJefferson County Public Health360-385-9444 x301

TOXIN WARNING AT LAKE LELAND

Port Townsend – High levels of the toxin microcystin were detected in a water sample tak...

Shellfish Harvesting at Fort Flagler, Mystery Bay and Kilisut Harbor Closed Due to Biotoxins

August 29, 2018FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality ManagerJefferson County Public Health360-385-9444 x301

SHELLFISH HARVESTING OF ALL SPECIES AT FORT FLAGLER, MYSTERY BAY AND KILISUT HARBOR CLOSED DUE TO BIOTOXINS

Port Townsend&n...

Quilcene Beach Reopened

Port Townsend – Due to declining bacteria levels, Jefferson County Public Health has removed the health advisory at Quilcene Beach, 1731 Linger Longer Road, and removed the closed sign. After resampling occurred at the beach, also known as Herb Beck Marin...

Fort Flagler and Kilisut Harbor Shellfish Beaches Re-Open

July 26th 2018FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:Contact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality ManagerJefferson County Public Health360-385-9444 x301

Fort Flagler and Kilisut Harbor Shellfish Beaches Re-Open

Port Townsend – Butter clams from Fort Flagler and Ki...

Quilcene Beach Closed Due to Bacteria

Port Townsend – High levels of fecal bacteria at Quilcene Beach, 1731 Linger Longer Road, have prompted Jefferson County Public Health to issue a health advisory and post a closed sign at the beach. Samples taken Wednesday, July 18, and analyzed for enter...

Shellfish Vibrio Illness Rates Increasing

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Michael Dawson, Water Quality ManagerJefferson County Public Health360-385-9444 x301

Port Townsend – Several cases of vibriosis have been confirmed in Jefferson County in people who have consumed raw shellfish. Vibriosis is a ...

ANDERSON LAKE CLOSED DUE TO TOXIN

For Immediate Release

Contact: Michael Dawson

Water Quality Manager

Jefferson County Public Health

(360) 385-9444

Anderson Lake Closed Due to Toxin

Port Townsend – High levels of the potent nerve toxin anatoxin-a were detected in a water sample taken from Ander...

East Jefferson County Water Quality News, Winter 2018 Newsletter

See the East Jefferson County Water Quality News Winter 2018 newsletter, our bi-yearly status update on Water Quality projects in East Jefferson County, as well as other important water quality activities and opportunities.

###

Always Working for a Safer &a...

Bluegreen Algae Blooms Continue But Toxins Decline

January 26, 2018

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Michael Dawson

Jefferson County Community Health

(360) 385-9444 x301

Bluegreen Algae Blooms Continue But Toxins Decline

Port Townsend, WA – A bloom of bluegreen algae was found by Jefferson County Publi...

County Completes Chimacum and Ludlow Creeks Water Quality Projects

February 6, 2017

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Anna BachmannJefferson County Public Health(360) 385-9444 

County Completes Chimacum and Ludlow Creeks Water Quality Projects

Port Townsend – Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Water Quality division...