The Snohomish Health District has a new health officer — Dr. James Lewis. He will take over the health officer role from Dr. Chris Spitters, who is stepping down after more than 20 years with the district. Lewis, who is set to start Aug. 1, is currently a medical epidemiologist with Public Health – Seattle &…
Health care
Eligible donors urged to give blood as national blood shortage continues
The Washington State Department of Health, in partnership with the Washington State Blood Coalition, is encouraging eligible donors to give blood this summer. In addition to celebrating World Blood Donor Day on June 14, blood centers in Washington state are preparing for the summer months ahead—which is a critical time for blood donations. “Blood donations…
Washington part of multi-state salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter
The Washington State Department of Health is working with local and federal public health partners to investigate a case of salmonella that is likely linked to consuming contaminated Jif brand peanut butter products. The Whitman County resident, who was not hospitalized, has a confirmed case of salmonella ssociated with a nationwide peanut butter outbreak involving 11…
USDA: Keeping infants safe in midst of formula shortages
There are few things that worry a parent more than their children’s health and safety. The ongoing infant formula shortage due to supply chain issues, which worsened due to a major formula recall in February, has left many caregivers feeling concerned and anxious about their options for safely feeding their infants, the USDA Food and Nutrition…
Scene in Lynnwood: Ribbon cut for Head2Toe Spine and Sports Therapy
Tubie Friends online fundraising auction to benefit children begins Thursday
Beginning Thursday, people can purchase items such as an 8-pound block of Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, Funko figurines, two hours of kayaking on Lake Union, a Harry Potter gift set, a “Chick Flick” gift basket, and even a unicorn encounter while donating to a charitable cause. Tubie Friends, a South Snohomish County-based nonprofit organization that helps…
Sponsor spotlight: Eye Associates Northwest now caring for patients in their new Edmonds location at 21616 76th Avenue West.
Long-time Seattle area ophthalmology practice, Eye Associates Northwest, has a new office in Edmonds. The Edmonds location marks the fifth office for the practice whose history in the eye care field spans nearly a century. In 1993, two practices joined forces, Eye Associates of Seattle, and the Eye Clinic of Seattle, to form what is…
Meet the new business: Eye Associates Northwest
Business name: Eye Associates Northwest Products and/or services: Ophthalmology How long in business: Since 1993 — new location in Edmonds Tell us about your history: Rooted in the Pacific Northwest for over 80 years: Eye Associates of Seattle and the Eye Clinic of Seattle had roots in practices established by individual physicians in the 1930s. Dr. H. Frederick…
During media briefing, county health officer discusses Healthy Youth Survey results, latest COVID numbers
After a brief update on COVID-19 cases in Snohomish County — which are continuing to drop — County Health Officer Dr. Chris Spitters spent most of his time during a Tuesday afternoon media briefing talking about the just-released results of the 2021 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey, which included more than 15,000 students in the…
Opioid roundtable dives deeper into addiction and recovery services in Snohomish County
Updated to clarify that Verdant has provided a grant to South Pathways to expand its needle exchange program but is not operating the program itself. The opioid crisis is closer to home than many in Snohomish County realize, and the impacts are felt across the community. That was one takeaway from Thursday night’s virtual Opioid…
Lynnwood Today
Sign Up for Our Daily Lynnwood Newsletter
Reminder: Verdant to present opioid crisis community roundtable March 10
Snohomish County has the second highest rate for opioid deaths in Washington state, and these numbers are continuing to rise. The Verdant Health Commission invites community members to join them at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 10 for a local update on the opioid crisis. Participants will share data and information surrounding opioids and overdoses in Snohomish…
Powdered infant formula recall expands following reports of bacterial infections
Abbott Nutrition has expanded its voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas produced at the company’s manufacturing facility in Sturgis, Michigan, because of possible Cronobacter contamination, the Washington State Department of Health said Wednesday. Parents and caregivers should not feed their babies recalled Similac, Alimentum or EleCare powdered formulas. Recalled powdered infant formulas include Similac…
Attorney general sues Providence-Swedish group, alleging it improperly pushed collecting payments from low-income patients
The Washington State Attorney General is suing Providence-Swedish Health Care Group, which includes Swedish Edmonds hospital. The lawsuit alleges that Providence-Swedish has failed “to ensure that eligible low-income Washingtonians receive the discounts to which they are legally entitled.” The attorney general also alleges that the hospital chain is “aggressively collecting money” from low-income patients who…
New mass vaccination site to open Tuesday at Everett Mall; mass testing site coming soon to county
New sites to expand testing and vaccination availability are set to open in partnership with the Snohomish Health District, Washington State Department of Health, Washington State Emergency Management Division and Federal Emergency Management Agency. “It is our commitment as a State to work together across the system to ensure that are using every tool that…
County COVID briefing: Officials expect a third to half of population will get omicron
“Everyone should assume they are going to be exposed.” — Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive “A third to a half (of the population getting omicron) is about right.” — Dr. Chris Spitters, Snohomish County Chief Health Officer “The health care system has never been in more jeopardy than we are right now.” — Dr….
Commentary: Finding ways to help our health care heroes
Growing up, I always enjoyed watching superheroes like Superman defeat the bad guys. Lex Luthor’s evil plan would be foiled once again, and the world would be saved. However, in the real world, superheroes don’t always wear capes when they save lives. Doctors are our superheroes, and we must protect them as they protect us….
Washington part of multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to packaged salads
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) confirmed Thursday that the state is part of an E. coli outbreak affecting six states. The seven cases of E. coli found so far in Washington are likely linked to Simple Truth Organic Power Greens purchased at QFC and Fred Meyer stores in Washington state. Consumers with Simple…
County health officer Dr. Chris Spitters announces his departure next year
After 24 years with the Snohomish Health District, Dr. Chris Spitters has announced that he will step down next year. He has served as the county’s chief health officer since March 2020. “There is no work-related reason for my choice to resign from the health officer position, and I am not leaving for another role,” Spitters…
Sponsor spotlight: Say hello to Bodyworks Massage — and enjoy self-care at its finest
Say hello to a new therapeutic business in downtown Edmonds — Bodyworks Massage — and say goodbye to chronic ailments, pain, and swelling. Increase mobility, flexibility and range of motion. Paired with LED facial panels scientifically proven to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, blemishes and scars, Bodyworks offers self-care at its finest. Relax, renew…
Announcing new advertiser Bodyworks Massage
Welcome to our new advertiser Bodyworks Massage. Come experience the new buzz around town and eliminate chronic pain and boost your immunity. Relax, renew and recharge with Grand Opening Specials at www.BodyworksEdmonds.com.
Pop-up blood drives scheduled in South Snohomish County Nov. 30-Dec. 14
The need for blood in the community is rising and to meet that challenge, Bloodworks needs all donors to step up. So book your next donation now to make sure patients get the fighting chance they deserve. All types are urgently needed, but Type O is especially in demand. Upcoming events – Nile Shrine (Mountlake…
Verdant accepting health grant applications through Nov. 19
Community groups and organizations are invited to apply to the Verdant Health Commission for grants that are focused on the health needs of residents in South Snohomish County. Applications can be submitted through Friday, Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. For the first time, all grant applications will be accepted using a web-based Grant Portal, available…
County COVID briefing: Demand exceeding supply for kids’ vaccine
It’s a slow start to vaccinating children 5-11 years old against COVID in Snohomish County. Not because parents are reluctant to get their kids the shot, County Chief Health Officer Dr. Chris Spitters told reporters during a Tuesday media briefing. It’s because there is not yet enough vaccine for children anywhere in the state. Spitters…
County: While COVID shots now OK for younger kids, it will take weeks for vaccinations to begin
Snohomish County now has the green light to vaccinate children against COVID. The Federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced it has determined the Pfizer shots can be safely given to 28 million children ages 5-11 years old nationwide A total of 75,000 Snohomish County school-age kids are eligible. In his weekly COVID briefing, County Health…
Department of Health: Booster doses now available for all three COVID-19 vaccine types
The Washington State Department of Health is expanding the use of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for certain individuals following recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup. Last month, health care providers began offering booster…