Washington State Department of Health
Welcome to the official Bluesky account for the Washington State Department of Health! We work with others to protect and improve the health of all people in our state. Visit us at doh.wa.gov
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- Well, it's Groundhog Day... again...
- For #BlackHistoryMonth, we reflect on the importance of listening to community voices to ground our work in trust, empathy, and partnership. Honoring Black history means acknowledging both the harms of the past and the strength and leadership of Black communities that continue to guide us today.
- Rural EMS isn’t just about emergencies; it’s about sustaining community health. Many rural EMS providers balance multiple roles, volunteer their time, and respond as neighbors helping neighbors. These professionals are essential to the resilience and wellbeing of rural Washington.
- Our epidemiologists looking at measles trends across the US
- "Of the 789 cases (in South Carolina), 695 are in people who are unvaccinated, and 14 in people partially vaccinated." Let's get our percentage of protection up higher, WA!
- The West Coast Health Alliance endorses the 2026 @ameracadpeds.bsky.social Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, as do professional medical and health orgs representing more than 1M health care providers. doh.wa.gov/newsroom/wes...
- The AAP issued the annual update to its schedule for 2026, based on a thorough and deliberate review of medical evidence. These recommendations also continue to thoughtfully consider specific disease risks and health care delivery in the US. downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/AAP-...
- Until recently, getting a cervical screening required a provider visit. You may be able to collect your own sample for HPV testing in a private setting, like home. Self-collection offers more flexibility and can help catch cancer early, when treatment's most effective. medium.com/wadepthealth...
- How many of you are here in Washington? If you aren't, how's the weather?
- Thanks to safe & effective vaccines, measles was eliminated in the US years ago. But due to low immunization rates, it’s back. Prevent measles by getting vaccinated. More at doh.wa.gov/measles
- Two of the three regional blood banks serving WA are facing a severe #blood shortage due to the lingering effects from heavy rains and floods in December, combined with a slowdown in donations. doh.wa.gov/newsroom/cod...
- The shortage is especially bad for Type O blood and platelets, which are in high demand for emergency treatments, surgeries, and other life-saving procedures.
- Learn the signs. Share resources. Stay connected. If you or someone you know is being forced to work or exchange sex for money, food, a place to live, or anything else, help is available.
- Last year we created an online tool to help track #measles exposures across WA. This map brings together info from local health depts into one convenient, easy-to-navigate platform. It's mobile-friendly, too. wadoh.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboa...
- Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. It’s a very common virus that can pass from one person to another during sex. That’s why it’s so important to get vaccinated against HPV. Talk to your provider to find out if the HPV vaccine is right for you. Learn more at doh.wa.gov/hpv
- We confirmed a #measles outbreak in Snohomish County – the first in the state since 2023 – with three unvaccinated children ages 23 months to 9 years testing positive for the highly contagious disease. More at doh.wa.gov/newsroom/was...
- We are sharing the benefits of healthy friendships that span generations. Find Your People, the agency’s social connection project for people 55 and older, is designed to help older adults expand their social circles. Read our blog at medium.com/wadepthealth...
- #Listeria can make you seriously sick. Prevention can be simple. Cook meat thoroughly, wash produce well, and skip the unpasteurized dairy. Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat items and eat leftovers quickly. Just a few kitchen habits keep you and your family safe! doh.wa.gov/you-and-your...
- We're calling on young artists across the PNW to put their creativity to work in the 2026 Northwest Radon Poster Contest. The annual competition is held during Radon Action Month and helps students learn about #radon and why it can be harmful to health. More at doh.wa.gov/newsroom/stu...
- Our friends at Public Health - Seattle King County have put together a climate-friendly cookbook. Bon appétit! publichealthinsider.com/2026/01/15/a...
- Two screening tests can help prevent #CervicalCancer or find it early: the Pap test (or Pap smear) and HPV test. Talk to your provider about what’s right for you. Need help paying for screening tests? You might qualify for the Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program. doh.wa.gov/you-and-your...
