Racism is a public health emergency
A letter from Lynnette Vehrs, MN, RN, WSNA President, and Julia Barcott, RN, Chair of the WSNA Cabinet on Economic and General Welfare.
News
Public health
WSNA statement calling for an end to systemic racism, racial violence and police brutality
WSNA stands in solidarity with all those who are calling for an end to systemic racism, racial violence and police brutality. We also are calling on our profession to look hard at the many ways racism manifests itself in our health care system and in patient care. We must do better.
Information on the Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave program
The Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave program became effective for Washington employees as of the beginning of this year. This state run program is designed to provide paid leave for employees for instances such as the illness or injury of an employee or employee’s family member or parental bonding time with a new child.
WSNA statement on Governor's Executive Order on vaping
Vaping products present a serious public health risk, and we commend the Governor for taking immediate action and a multi-pronged approach.
Some medicines and driving don’t mix
The Department of Health and the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission are working with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to help spread the word about impaired driving from prescription and nonprescription drugs.
2018 Washington Free and Charitable Care Conference
The Washington Healthcare Access Alliance is hosting their 13th annual Washington Free and Charitable Care Conference this fall from Sept. 12-14 in Spokane, Washington.
Bringing subspecialists to rural patients via telehealth
Easy access to sub-specialized health care is not always available to rural communities with unable to employ sub-specialists and offer all the specialties.
Nurse “telepresenters” provide efficient care with a human touch
With insurance challenges, soaring health care costs and belt tightening, health care is finding ways to save while providing the same high-level of care.
Why are nurses suing the EPA?
For over a decade, nurses have been working with a wide range of partners, including other health professionals, environmentalists and health-affected groups, to update the nation’s chemical safety policy.
DOH adds third option to birth certificate
The Department of Health has announced that beginning Jan. 27, people will be allowed to change their sex designation on Washington birth certificates to “X,” adding a third option to birth certificates.
Operation Agua
AFT launched this operation to provide purifiers to the people in Puerto Rico whose island has been devastated by Hurricane Maria and left without safe water.
Opioid OD mortality could reach 250 a day if trends continue, analysis finds
Close to 100 Americans are killed by opioids each day, a figure that could rise to 250 - or more than 650,000 over the next decade - if potent synthetic compounds such as fentanyl and carfentanil continue to proliferate while waiting time for treatment lengthens in the hardest-hit areas. Experts predict mortality will not stabilize…
Public Health – Seattle & King County Director Patty Hayes selected for The Kresge Foundation’s Emerging Leaders in Public Health Initiative
Patty Hayes, MN, RN, a member of WSNA’s Nursing Hall of Fame and Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County, is among thosechosen to be part of The Kresge Foundation’s Emerging Leaders in Public Health Initiative. Hayes and Carina Elsenboss, the department’s Preparedness Director, will be working to transform public health in…
2017 Northwest Public Health Leadership Institute accepting applications
Applications are open for the Northwest Public Health Leadership Institute, a nine-month program offered through the University of Washington School of Public Health designed to build collaborative leadership skills for professionals committed to improving health equity.
Public Health is Essential
WSNA is playing a leadership role in a new campaign, Public Health is Essential, designed to educate lawmakers and the public on the critical role public health plays.
Snohomish public health nurses fight to save services
While King County is looking to expand services for pregnant women, young children and teens, the Snohomish Health District shut the doors for the last time on the Immunization Clinic on June 30. The county’s First Steps program, which provides maternity support services, is also slated for elimination.