2000 Press Releases

>	December 28, 2000 DUI and traffic safety emphasis patrols in King County shine for "Night of 1000 Stars" 186 drivers were stopped for unsafe driving actions and 26 hazardous drivers were cited for DUI (driving under the influence) and removed from King County roads, primarily along Highway 99.
>	December 22, 2000 King County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) 2000 Annual Report
>	December 15, 2000 Sims joins with law enforcement to kick-off "Night of 1000 Stars" traffic safety emphasis patrols Community leaders and government officials joined together in heralding the upcoming "Night of 1000 Stars" traffic safety emphasis patrols for this holiday season.
>	December 14, 2000 Summary of 2000 Drug Trends in King County -- Heroin use has largest impact, cocaine use increases A report issued by Public Health - Seattle & King County today indicates that heroin continues to be the drug with the largest impact on area residents.
>	December 7, 2000 Public Health Director encourages shoppers to give the gift of safety this holiday season "As you shop for your loved ones this holiday season, keep safety in mind," said Plough. "There are some simple gifts you can give that will ensure safety for your family and friends."
>	December 7, 2000 Receive Public Health News Alerts by email With this free service, subscribers receive the latest information on local health risks, disease outbreaks, community health reports, website updates, and much more.
>	December 5, 2000 Public Health's Environmental Health Services opens new Seattle office Effective Monday, December 11, Environmental Health Services will be opening a new site to provide services within the city of Seattle as well as provide selected permitting and licensing services countywide.
>	November 30, 2000 Community "Summit" convenes on World AIDS Day to address sexual risk taking issues among gay men "This is an urgent situation," Plough said. "We must find new ways to help gay and bisexual men reduce or eliminate risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections."
>	November 30, 2000 Public Health releases report on death trends for King County "These investigations assist grieving families in finding closure by expediting settlement of insurance claims and estates and by assuring that appropriate criminal and civil actions are taken."
>	November 28, 2000 Smoking diversion classes offered by Public Health as alternative to school suspension Students caught smoking on school campuses may now attend a tobacco diversion class as an alternative to school suspension.
>	November 16, 2000 A safe and healthy holiday season includes safe food handling and cooking practices No matter how you intend to enjoy your holiday meal -- an intimate dinner or a potluck, a family gathering or a party with friends -- any holiday meal could be the cause of food borne illness if the food isn't handled safely.
>	November 15, 2000 Sims honors 14 Bothell and Kenmore retailers for refusing to sell tobacco to King County's youth "Prevention of tobacco use -- especially among our young people -- is one of Public Health's top priorities," said Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "If we can keep our children from using tobacco before they are 18, chances are good that they'll never start using it."
>	November 14, 2000 HIV/AIDS planners seek feedback from King County residents living with HIV/AIDS All King County residents who are living with HIV/AIDS are eligible to complete survey which will allow consumers living with HIV/AIDS to make their voices heard about services that are important to them.
>	November 14, 2000 Flu season information now available online The flu season update gives the public and health care providers regularly updated information on influenza surveillance in King County as well as updates on the availability of influenza vaccine at Public Health clinics.
>	November 9, 2000 "Surround the Sound" Halloween emphasis patrols a resounding success "Surround the Sound" emphasis patrols around Puget Sound area, targeted intoxicated and dangerous drivers and took them off the streets as part of a coordinated effort to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths.
>	November 8, 2000 Pet licenses will be sold at food worker training in North Bend King County pet licenses will be available for purchase before and during the training and testing of food workers on November 16 at 2 p.m. and again at 5 p.m. at the Mount Si Senior Center in North Bend.
>	October 31, 2000 Remains of illegal Chinese immigrants returned to families The King County Medical Examiner's Office (KCMEO) investigated the deaths of three Chinese males whose bodies were found in a sealed cargo container offloaded from a freighter in Seattle.
>	October 31, 2000 Restaurant closures now posted online "Our purpose in posting restaurant closures online is to keep the public informed about food safety problems at local restaurants," Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County.
>	October 30, 2000 The truth about bats: Public Health vet sets the story straight on this misunderstood mammal "There are so many misconceptions about them," said Dr. Marilyn Christensen. "Bats are really wonderful and fascinating creatures."
>	October 26, 2000 DUI and traffic safety patrols "Surround the Sound" for the Halloween weekend On the weekend preceding Halloween, extra law enforcement officers serving the King County area will join their counterparts in western Washington counties to conduct a series of traffic safety emphasis patrols.
>	October 24, 2000 Free mammogram screenings available next week (first week November, 2000 only)
>	October 19, 2000 Hospitalizations for childhood asthma increase 53% in King County, according to new report "The burden of asthma is disproportionately high among low income families," said Dr. David Solet, Senior Epidemiologist with Public Health - Seattle & King County and lead author on the report.
>	October 12, 2000 Public Health recommends changes in administration of influenza vaccine due to delays in vaccine delivery "We are asking health care providers to first vaccinate those individuals most at risk for complications from influenza as well as their family members and health care workers," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County.
>	October 11, 2000 More progress needed in improving the oral health of King County residents Early preventative care such as appropriate uses of fluorides, application of sealants and regular visits to dentists will lead to a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
>	October 10, 2000 King County Board of Health had full agenda for October 2000 meeting Topics include violent video games, HIV Reporting, and criminalization of mental health
>	October 5, 2000 Sims announces significant grant to fight diabetes The REACH Coalition works cooperatively toward the goal of eliminating diabetes-related disparities among African American, Asian American/Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic/Latino communities in King County.
>	September 12, 2000 Latest report on firearm injuries and deaths in King County The report, Firearm Injuries and Deaths, King County & Seattle, studied data related to firearm injuries that were severe enough to result in the death or hospitalization of the victim.
>	September 7, 2000 The King County Board of Health meets on September 15, 2000
>	September 7, 2000 Want to do your own plumbing at home? The new Homeowner's Guide to Plumbing is now available online.
>	September 1, 2000 Legionnaires' Disease associated with potting soil Recently, the first cases of Legionnaires' Disease associated with potting soil use in the US were reported, including one case from King County.
>	August 22, 2000 New King County report documenting racial disparities in infant mortality The report shows that while the 1998 infant mortality rate was the lowest ever achieved in King County at 5.0 deaths per 1,000 live births, progress in infant death prevention has not been shared equally by all groups.
>	August 14, 2000 Public Health offers free, educational workshops for septic system owners Public Health has scheduled free workshops around King County to help homeowners understand how septic systems work and how homeowners affect system effectiveness and longevity.
>	August 11, 2000 Live call-in TV show will provide answers for on-site sewage system owners Discussion to include what makes a system work effectively, lifestyle choices that keep it working effectively, how to maintain the system, and when to have it cleaned.
>	August 4, 2000 New water safety laws prohibit swimming in Lake Washington Ship Canal "We have been seeing one or two drowning-related deaths each year in the Ship Canal, mostly by youth," said Tony Gomez, Chair of the Seattle-King County Drowning Prevention Coalition.
>	August 3, 2000 Public Health launches landmark webpages on the health of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered communities Public Health - Seattle & King County becomes the first local public health agency in the United States to offer health webpages specifically targeting the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) communities.
>	August 1, 2000 Planning Council adopts plan for HIV/AIDS care services funding priorities for King County The Seattle HIV/AIDS Planning Council adopted a plan to distribute an anticipated $5.5 million to support delivery of care services for low income persons living with HIV/AIDS in King County.
>	July 26, 2000 Homeless people deserve safe food For a variety of reasons, homeless people may be at increased risk of severe health consequences if exposed to contaminated food.
>	July 26, 2000 Jelly-fruit cup poses choking hazard Jelly-fruit cups may pose a choking hazard in young children, according to the King County Medical Examiner. This alert follows the death of a 2 year old child who choked on an imported jelly-fruit cup.
>	July 26, 2000 Food worker card training/testing now available in seven languages
>	July 26, 2000 Public Health releases final report on arsenic and lead soil testing on Vashon-Maury Island and south-coastal King County A copper smelter operated in Ruston, just south of Vashon and Maury Islands. Some of the smelter's emissions were carried northward to these islands as well as parts of the coastal mainland in King County.
>	July 14, 2000 July agenda: King County Board of Health meeting Discussion to include chronic public inebriates, bioterrorism and regional preparedness, tobacco advertising and food service fees.
>	June 30, 2000 A call to action on oral health (external website) As a guest columnist to The Seattle Times, Dr. Alonzo Plough discusses the need to address proper oral health practices from childhood forward.
>	June 30, 2000 Public Health and local and state law enforcement encourage a safe a sane Fourth of July
>	June 28, 2000 Swimmers' Itch at local beaches The parasite that causes swimmers' itch does not usually affect people, but if the water dries on your skin, they will try to stay moist by burrowing in. It isn't contagious, but it is annoying.
>	June 27, 2000 Green River logjam creates drowning hazard Logjams are naturally occurring, and create very hazardous situations for inexperienced or untrained river users.
>	June 22, 2000 Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Health is Public Health "Now is the time for gay men who haven't been tested for HIV to get tested without needing to have their blood drawn," said Dr. Bob Wood, Director of the Public Health HIV/AIDS Control Program.
>	June 21, 2000 As beaches open for the summer, Public Health reminds residents to swim safely "With all the water in the area--lakes, rivers, and swimming pools-- it is very important that all children learn to swim and learn about water safety," says Tony Gomez, Manager for Violence and Injury Prevention at Public Health.
>	June 20, 2000 King County Executive Ron Sims releases the "Communities Count" report Through an extensive process begun in 1997, residents told us what they value in their families and their community; what sustains healthy people and strong neighborhoods.
>	June 14, 2000 Public Health determines cause of Argosy Cruise illness The outbreak of diarrheal disease that affected approximately 100 persons attending the Argosy dinner ship cruise was a type of E. coli bacteria called enterotoxigenic E. coli, or ETEC.
>	June 12, 2000 Public Health participates in Surgeon General's conference on Children and Oral Health Recent research findings which have pointed to possible relationships between oral health infections and general health problems such as diabetes, heart and lung disease, stroke, and premature birth.
>	June 12, 2000 King County Board of Health June 2000 meeting Discussion topics to include national tobacco settlement fund, food services fees, controlling the population of Canadian geese, and the role of Harborview Medical Center.
>	June 8, 2000 Public Health launches campaign on the benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child Strong evidence in the last ten years has confirmed that breastfeeding is best for all infants, including premature and sick newborns, with rare exception.
>	June 7, 2000 Tobacco sales to teens on the rise in Grays Harbor County The latest tobacco sting operation conducted in Grays Harbor County revealed that 25% of the retailers checked sold tobacco products to teens under age 18.
>	June 1, 2000 Sims proclaims June 2000 as "Healthy People and Health Communities Month" King County Executive Ron Sims challenged the residents of King County to adopt and maintain at least one, new, healthy activity during June and then to maintain it throughout the summer months.
>	May 24, 2000 Public Health cautions parents about household environmental hazards "The main message for parents at this point is to make sure that their children are not eating non-food items, crayons included." says Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County.
>	May 22, 2000 Tuberculosis cases down slightly 104 cases of tuberculosis were reported in Seattle-King County in 1999, compared with the report of 116 cases in 1998.
>	May 11, 2000 King County Board of Health has full agenda for May meeting Discussion topics include chronic disease and healthy aging programs, the food code, waterfowl management, natural medicine.
>	May 11, 2000 Summary of 1999 Drug Trends in King County issued by Public Health A report issued today by Public Health - Seattle & King County indicates that heroin-related drug deaths declined in 1999 after reaching an all-time high in 1998.
>	May 5, 2000 Public Health and law enforcement collaborate to reduce alcohol-related crashes on Cinco de Mayo On the evening of Friday, May 5 - Cinco de Mayo - an increased number of law enforcement officers will be patrolling and arresting intoxicated and dangerous drivers along Highway 99.
>	May 4, 2000 New mural promotes "Hope and Help" for traumatic Brain injury prevention and care The mural is a dramatic and incisive representation of the sudden transformation that occurs when one suffers a brain injury.
>	April 21, 2000 Over 500 youth to celebrate Drug-Free Washington Month "Most youth don't use drugs, tobacco or alcohol," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health -- Seattle & King County. "This isn't always an easy choice, but it's clearly the healthiest one..."
>	April 21, 2000 Public Health offers free lead screening for children 6 years and younger In response to the announcement this week of higher than normal amounts of lead and arsenic in soil on Vashon/Maury Island, state Department of Health will offer free lead screening for children six years and younger.
>	April 18, 2000 "Recall Roundup" to get hazardous products out of King County homes and thrift stores Despite recall notices and public warnings, many products with the potential to seriously injure or kill are still being used by consumers and sold at garage sales and thrift stores.
>	April 18, 2000 Preliminary findings from soil sampling of Maury/Vashon Island and the southern mainland coastline of King County Studies over the past 30 years have shown that the soils on portions of Vashon-Maury Island have elevated concentrations of arsenic, lead, and cadmium, probably due to decades of copper smelter operations in Ruston, WA.
>	April 10, 2000 Public Health's TB Control Program featured in the Seattle Times About two-thirds of the 100 to 115 new active cases of the disease annually are in immigrants, many of them recent refugees.
>	April 6, 2000 Free mammogram screenings available Women age 40 years and older should have a Mammogram and Clinical Breast Examination every year. All women should practice monthly Breast self-examinations.
>	April 5, 2000 Kids across King County 'Kick Butts' on April 5 Youth will take the lead in the fight against tobacco, organizing creative events that highlight the dangers of tobacco use and the tobacco industry's manipulative marketing practices.
>	April 3, 2000 April is National Public Health month "The major improvements in health status in recent history have been a result of population-based public health programs such as safe drinking water and food supplies, reduction of smoking..."
>	April 3, 2000 The Washington State Department of Health's comprehensive air quality study of the SeaTac area to learn if jets are polluting nearby communities.
>	March 31, 2000 Transfer stations to operate if garbage strike occurs; public health precautions outlined "It is imperative the public be aware of alternatives and public health precautions should a strike occur," said King County Executive Ron Sims.
>	March 20, 2000 New schedule and information to obtain Food Worker's Card starting April 4, 2000
>	March 20, 2000 New information online regarding control over Asian Gypsy Moths Gypsy Moth caterpillars can damage and kill trees and shrubs by eating leaves and needles.
>	March 16, 2000 Highway 99 target of St. Patrick's Day traffic patrol Highway 99 is a particularly dangerous stretch of road, with five times the number of alcohol-related crashes as any other state highway in King County.
>	March 16, 2000 Public Health Director urges healthy eating to reduce risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease Healthy eating at every age improves and even restores good health. A healthy diet assures proper growth and development among children and teenagers as well as prevents disease.
>	March 15, 2000 Temporary paramedic services added in Duvall and Carnation area This addition is intended to help maintain appropriate service levels during the closure and replacement of the NE 124th street bridge (Novelty Hill Bridge).
>	March 10, 2000 King County Board of Health meets March 17th Discussion topics include violent video games, budget policy workshop, disease outbreak control, chronic disease prevention and healthy aging.
>	March 8, 2000 Upcoming St. Patrick's Day traffic patrol focuses on Highway 99 "Alcohol-related car crashes are the most preventable cause of premature death and injury in King County," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County.
>	March 8, 2000 Manure in stream may pose risk to the public's health Public Health officials are currently assessing the risk to the public's health in the area surrounding West Snoqualmie Valley Road and NE 80th outside of Redmond.
>	March 7, 2000 Public Health - Seattle & King County selected to produce landmark health webpages for Lesbians and Gay Men "Culturally-appropriate health information for lesbians and gay men on topics other than HIV is difficult to find on the Internet, and what is there is not indexed in a central location for easy review and retrieval," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County.
>	March 1, 2000 Dr. Richard Harruff appointed King County Medical Examiner Dr. Harruff's excellent technical and research skills have already earned him high marks from medical and law enforcement professionals as well as members of our community.
>	February 29, 2000 Public Health Director commends University policy stopping sale of tobacco Dr. Ernest Morris, Vice President of Student Affairs for the University of Washington, finalized the decision to discontinue sale of tobacco products on campus.
>	February 28, 2000 HIV/AIDS Planning Council launches open process for care planning Approximately $5 million in federal, state, and local funds will be entrusted to Seattle's HIV/AIDS Planning Council to fund HIV/AIDS care services for low-income residents of King County.
>	February 23, 2000 Medical Examiner's statement: Three adult Asian males found dead in a cargo container at Pier 18 All three individuals died as a result of acute malnutrition and dehydration. The manner is classified as Accident.
>	February 23, 2000 Public Health selected to receive award for service to Eastside communities We pledge to sustain and strengthen our efforts on the Eastside in order to assure that the community's health needs continue to be met effectively and appropriately," said Paul Murakami, Public Health's East Regional Health Officer.
>	February 11, 2000 HIV testing clinic will close in May Public Health's Spring Street Clinic (formerly the AIDS Prevention Project clinic) is slated for closure in May 2000.
>	February 11, 2000 King County Board of Health meeting in February February's discussion will focus to increase board members' working understanding of the mission of public health and how it relates to the public health budget.
>	January 25, 2000 UPDATE: Number of cases of shigellosis continue to climb An outbreak of shigellosis associated with Señor Felix 5 Layer Fiesta Dip is growing. More than 30 people in Washington have now come down with symptoms, 16 of them have tested positive and confirmed they recently ate the suspect product.
>	January 24, 2000 Resolution attacks underage alcohol use Alcohol is the number one illegal drug problem facing King County youth. Furthermore, alcohol is easily accessible by youth in King County based upon their self-reports as well as data from the Seattle Police Department and Liquor Control Board.
>	January 21, 2000 Señor Felix's Five Layer Dip may contain shigella 13 cases of shigellosis have been reported in Western Washington. At least nine of the victims had recently consumed the five-layer dip.
>	January 21, 2000 Dramatic rise in uninsured rate seen among those with low income The uninsured rate for King County adults under 65 now stands at 11% and has not changed significantly since 1991, despite flourishing economic activity in this region.
>	January 20, 2000 King County tobacco retailers achieve high mark Nine times out of ten, teenagers cannot buy cigarrettes or tobacco in King County, according to a recent survey by Public Health - Seattle & King County.
>	January 18, 2000 Hepatitis education and vaccine drive targets gay and bisexual men This program (known as the Hepatitis Initiative) urges gay and bisexual men to address their increased risk for hepatitis A and B by getting vaccinated against both diseases.
>	January 12, 2000 Domestic violence agencies and Child Protective Services collaborate to help families A Public Health program that forges connections between domestic violence service providers and the Child Protective Services system has achieved marked success in providing additional support to abused parents and children.
>	January 11, 2000 Autopsies performed on 3 adult males found dead in cargo container at Pier 18 Preliminary autopsy findings indicate no injuries and no infectious or other natural diseases were responsible for the deaths.
>	January 10, 2000 Diabetes death rate in King County has increased by 50% since 1987. Disproportionate impact seen in minority communities 44,000 adults residing in King County have diabetes, and the diabetes death rate locally has increased by 50% since 1987.
>	January 5, 2000 Number of smoke-free restaurants highest ever for King County Based on survey results, Public Health has produced a Smoke-Free Restaurant Guide for King County, which includes listings for more than 1,600 smoke-free restaurants.
>	January 5, 2000 Van Asselt Elementary students have a SNAC The Mission: Delicious program is designed to encourage young children to learn basic nutrition concepts, try new foods and enjoy healthy foods that taste great.

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