Important Message Regarding Measles

Source: Tulalip Community Health Department

On January 25^th, 2019 Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency in response to the current measles outbreak connected to Clark Co. As of January 29, 2019 there have not been any lab confirmed cases of measles in Snohomish Co., connected to this outbreak.

Measles is very contagious, and spreads quickly. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune (have not received the vaccine) will also become infected.¹

The best way to prevent the spread of measles and protect yourself and loved ones is to make sure you are up to date on all immunizations, including the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Almost all of the cases linked to the outbreak are in people who are not immunized against measles. Children are especially at risk because they generally do not receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine until their first birthday.

The Tulalip Health System is highly encouraging everyone to make sure they are up to date on their immunizations. The Tulalip Health Clinic has the MMR vaccine available. Most insurance plans cover the cost of the vaccine.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious illness caused by a virus.

What are the symptoms ofmeasles?

A high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually begins at the head and spreads to the rest of the body.

How serious is measles?

Measles can be serious for all ages. However, children younger than 5 years and adults older than 20 years are more likely to suffer from measles complications including ear infection, pneumonia and diarrhea. As many as one out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children. About one child out of every 1,000 who get measles will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain) that can lead to convulsions and can leave the child deaf or with intellectual disability. Measles may cause pregnant women to give birth prematurely or to have a low-birth-weight baby.

How do you get measles?

Measles is spread through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left. A person can spread the virus before they show symptoms. People are contagious (able to spread measles) for up to four days before and up to four days after the rash appears. After someone is exposed to measles, illness develops in about one to three weeks

How can you prevent measles?

Immunization is the best prevention for measles. The measles vaccine is very effective.

If you have and questions or concerns give Community Health a call at 360-716-5662.

Quil Ceda Village tax case underway in federal court

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

According to the Washington Department of Revenue, Tulalip’s Quil Ceda Village generates approximately $40 million in tax revenues each year, but none of these taxes go to Tulalip or the Village. Instead, the State and County collect 100% of the taxes, with the vast majority going to Olympia. The State and County do not share any of these tax revenues with Tulalip.

The Tulalip Tribes’ lawsuit challenging Washington State and Snohomish County’s authority to collect sales tax generated by businesses in Quil Ceda Village (QCV) has finally commenced. The bench trial, presided over by Judge Barbara Rothstein, is scheduled for 10-days and began on Monday, May 14, at the U.S. District Courthouse located in Seattle.

Moments prior to court going into session, Chairwoman Marie Zackuse stated, “The Tulalip Tribes are here today to present our case. This is about taxes generated in our own tribal municipality – built with our own resources. We are confident we have a strong case and look forward to a positive outcome.”

The U.S. federal government is Tulalip’s co-plaintiff in the legal battle against Snohomish County and Washington State. The United States claims the State and County’s imposition of taxes on commerce in Quil Ceda Village undermines tribal and federal interests, infringes on tribal self-governance, and violates the Indian Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

“The United States takes seriously the federal role in protecting tribal self-government, which has its foundation in federal statutes, treaties, and regulations,” said John C. Cruden, the Assistant U.S. Attorney General at the time the lawsuit was filed.

“The State of Washington and Snohomish County did not contribute in any significant respect to the development of Quil Ceda Village,” according to the United States complaint filed in Seattle. “Moreover, they provide no significant governmental services at the Village and they play no role in the Village’s ongoing operations.”

The State and County currently collect over $40 million in annual property, business and occupation and sales taxes on the on-reservation activities at Quil Ceda Village. Even though Tulalip has its own applicable tribal tax laws, State and County taxation, in effect, preclude Tulalip from imposing its own taxes and deprive the Tribe of the tax base needed to fund important governmental services.

During opening arguments, Tulalip’s legal team expressed that the evidence will show that Tulalip has done everything reasonable to build QCV into what it is today while working under the guidelines of the Tulalip Leasing Act and other federal statutes encouraging self-determination. Tulalip created an economic engine, only to have the tax-base they created be 100% appropriated by County and State governments.

Background

In 2001, the Bureau of Indian Affairs approved QCV’s status as a tribal municipality. Quil Ceda Village became the first tribal political subdivision in the nation established under the Indian Tribal Governmental Tax Status Act of 1982, and one of only two federal municipalities in the country, the other being Washington, D.C. As the first tribal city of its kind, Quil Ceda Village is an innovative model of tribal economic development.

The Tulalip Tribes, with support of the United States government, took what was once undeveloped land and engaged in master planning, invested in infrastructure, and created resources that benefit its tribal membership and the surrounding communities.

Quil Ceda Village is widely regarded as an economic powerhouse, located entirely on federal land held in trust by the United States for the benefit of the Tulalip Tribes. The Village contains the Tulalip Resort Casino, Walmart, Home Depot, Cabela’s, the 130 designer store Seattle Premium Outlets, and provides jobs for over 5,000 employees. QCV has fulfilled the vision of past tribal leaders who sought to create a destination marketplace on the Tulalip Reservation.

Be a witness to history

Tulalip filed suit against the State and County in 2015, seeking the right to claim the tax revenue generated at QCV. Three years later, the lawsuit is finally being heard and is open to the public. Over the 10-day federal court proceedings, Tulalip Tribes, represented by the Office of Reservation Attorney and the Seattle-based law firm of Kanji & Katzen, will seek authorization to exercise its sovereignty over the economy and tax-base, while asking the Court to instruct the County and State to cease collecting sales tax on economic activities within the boundaries of QCV.

Tulalip Tribes, et al., vs. the State of Washington, et al. is ongoing at the U.S. District Courthouse located at 700 Stewart St, Seattle, WA 98101. Tribal members who wish to show their support are encouraged to do so. The case is being heard by Judge Rothstein in room 16106 from 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

“We are witnessing history in the making as the two-week hearing for our federal city, Quil Ceda Village, is underway to preempt Washington State sales taxes within our sovereign lands,” said former Board of Director Theresa Sheldon. “It’s important to acknowledge that it has taken decades of work for us to get to this point. The efforts of so many past tribal leaders and QCV employees helped carry this vision forward.”

Shedding light on a dark subject: sex trafficking

By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News

Human trafficking ranks as the second largest criminal industry in the world today. It has become an ever increasing global problem and only continues to worsen. The International Labor Organization 2012 report estimates there are 21 million victims of human trafficking. Of that number, 4.5 million are children and women exploited by the global commercial sex trade. Most Americans view the sex trade as more of an international issue and aren’t aware of its prevalence within U.S. borders. In fact, thousands of American women and children are trafficked in the U.S. commercial sex industry.

Washington’s international border with Canada, its many ports, rural areas and agricultural make the state prone to human trafficking. In 2003, Washington became the first state in the nation to enact legislation making human trafficking a crime. Seattle police and the U.S. Department of Justice see a trend of victims and pimps being sourced out of the state along the west coast track from Vancouver, B.C. to Seattle to Los Angeles. The Seattle area including Snohomish County has seen an increase in illegal internet activity (e.g. prostitution) as a result of human trafficking along the I-5 corridor.

Snohomish County has been a major part of several sex trafficking stings led by law enforcement agencies over recent months. Most recently, in September 2016, ten men were arrested in Operation Anvil and charged in Snohomish County for crimes including commercial sexual abuse of a minor, rape of a child, and attempted rape of a child. Operation Anvil garnered national media attention and was an eye-opening moment for viewers of any local news shows. There was a similar sting operation in February 2016 where six men were arrested and charged for similar crimes.

long-night-photo — The award-winning documentary, ‘The Long Night’ is raising sex trafficking awareness in the northwest. Tulalip Girls’ Group coordinator Sasha Smith, Chairman Mel Sheldon, and Tulalip News staff were among those invited to a special screening.

Further emphasis on the need for sex trafficking awareness in Snohomish County has rose from special screenings of the award-winning documentary, The Long Night, within the past month. Set in Seattle, The Long Night explores the crisis of minors who are coerced into the American sex trade. The film, by Tim Matsui, weaves the stories of seven individuals whose lives have been affected.

On Thursday, November 17, the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County arranged a screening of The Long Night at an Edmonds church. Tulalip Girls’ Group coordinator Sasha Smith, Chairman Mel Sheldon, and Tulalip News staff were among those invited.

Following the screening, Sheriff’s Department detective Joan Gwordske reviewed sex trafficking problems in Snohomish County and urged all community members to help raise awareness on sex trafficking in order to help prevent future incidents.

“Anybody in here have teenage daughters or granddaughters that go to high school in this area? What school?” Detective Gwordske posed this question to the audience. Hands went up and crowd members responded with several local high schools. “I have [sex trafficking] cases with girls in every single one of those schools and probably every other one that you can think of in Snohomish County,” she said.

Long-time community member and former Northwest Indian College (NWIC) professor, Karen Shoaf-Mitchell has made it a personal mission of hers to help raise awareness on sex trafficking.

“As former public school teacher of forty years, I realize how vulnerable teens can be. In June of 2014, the Washington State legislature mandated that all school districts have information about this crime on hand for its counselors, school nurses, health classes, PTAs, etc. Yet, it was an unfunded mandate, so I decided that I should do something,” explains Karen. “Therefore, I’ve given an informative presentation on sex trafficking to the Everett Public Library, to a World Problems class at Cascade High School in Everett, several times to the sovereignty class located at NWIC Tulalip, and now to the Tulalip Girls’ Group.”

Karen credits Tulalip for openly discussing subjects like abuse and exploitation in the tribal newspaper. She also points to former Board of Director Deborah Parker, who has spoken publicly about how she was taken advantage of, as another example of the Tulalip Tribes motivation to protect the most vulnerable, our children.

“[Sex trafficking] is a crime that is perpetrated upon the vulnerable and that outrages me,” continues Karen. “I presented to the Tulalip Girls’ Group a documentary about sex trafficking that shares stories from trafficking victims. Upon viewing the film, the girls had shocked and worried expressions on their faces. I shared that they could be vulnerable or their friends could be vulnerable to this manipulation by others. I also gave the girls cards from Dawson Place in Everett to put in their wallets with a phone number on it from D.P. to call if they ever needed help.”

“The girls and I were surprised that it is happening in our backyard,” says Girls’ Group coordinator Sasha Smith of their reaction to the sex trafficking presentation. “I had no idea that it was happening so close to home, thought it was something you only see in the movies. It was a good wake up call for myself and the members of Tulalip Girls’ Group.”

Sex trafficking is a very real problem in Snohomish County and our local communities. For better awareness and understanding of the issue please visit www.SharedHope.org for more information.

Contact Micheal Rio, mrios@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov

New Snohomish County 911 service to assist when a call can’t be made

By Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

There are countless stories from 911 operators about cryptic messages from victims of crime. Buzzfeed News reported last year about a woman who called 911 and pretended to order pizza in order to hide her plea for help from an abusive boyfriend.

Situations like the pizza order can easily be mistaken as prank calls. Despite the quality training of 911 dispatchers, it’s tough to decide whether it’s a real emergency or someone’s idea of a joke. To date, many victims haven’t reached out to emergency services because making a phone call during a violent encounter can be too obvious.

Today Snohomish County completed testing and began accepting 911 emergency texts. The ability to text 911 is a lifeline in some situations. The program is still in its infancy and while individuals with plans through AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon can reliably text 911, internet texting services might not be reliable.

“Being able to text 911 will benefit clients who are in domestic violence situations, especially when you are in the presence of the perpetrator, whether they are right next to you, close to you or watching over you. It will be easier to hide a text message than to talk over the phone when in an emergency. Working in this field as an advocate, I think trying new things to reach out to victims and making it possible to come forward is always a benefit,” said Leora Jones, Tulalip Tribes Legacy of Healing Women’s Advocate.

The traditional method of calling 911 is still preferred. The text service is touted as a secondary option, “call if you can, text if you can’t.” It is not meant to replace traditional 911 calling.

“Text to 911 was designated for Short Message Service (SMS) texting, but continues to evolve quickly,” said SNOCOM 911 Executive Director Debbie Grady in a July 2^nd press release. “Although we’ve done extensive testing, we don’t have control over text delivery from the carriers of handsets. We don’t know how various over-the-top (OTT) applications and text from Wi-Fi will react in the 911 environment.”

If you’re not sure whether your carrier offers the ability to text 911, DO NOT send a “test” message to 911, instead a call your carrier and ask if this option is available under your plan.

If you live within the boundaries of the Tulalip Reservation, roaming poses a problem when using the new service. Cell signal strength can vary in many parts of the reservation. Tulalip Chief of Police Carlos Echevarria cautions, “The best way to reach Tulalip Police Department during an emergency is to call 360-716-9911.” A general 911 call or text is routed to SNOCOM and may or may not be transferred to Tulalip Police Department, which can lengthen response time. The Tulalip Police Department has a team of dispatchers that are fully trained to handle emergency calls and decode cryptic messages such as the pizza delivery call.

The option to text is welcome, however, there are shortcomings that texters should be aware of. A text can take longer to send, time is crucial in life-threatening situations. Also, location information sent through text is not the same as the information dispatchers receive when you call.

Other things to consider before opting for a text verses call: 911 text is not available while roaming and a text or data plan is needed to place the text. It is unknown how the new service will perform through Wi-Fi use. Also, multiple texts to 911 can be received out of order. Think back to that time you made dinner plans and your friend received the name of the restaurant before they received the text asking to meet up. Because the information isn’t always received in the order it is sent, it can be confusing for dispatchers. Last, texts may not be received depending on cell signal strength.

If you use the 911 text service, make sure you type in your location and provide the type of help needed. Answer questions and follow 911 dispatcher instructions. Do not use texting abbreviations, emoticons or emoji. Keep your text brief and clear and continue responding until the 911 dispatcher has closed the dialog. For those in a domestic violence situations or life-threatening circumstances, remember to silence your phone so that incoming texts are not audible.

Others who benefit from this new update in 911 emergency services are individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability. In emergency situations, it’s not always easy to remember common safety practices, please refrain from texting and driving.

Tulalip Legacy of Healing Advocacy Center serves past and present victims of violence. For more information about their services contact 360-716-4100 or email lohsafehouse@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov.

Brandi N. Montreuil: 360-913-5402; bmontreuil@tulalipnews.com

Troubling trends in depression and suicide among youth

Healthy Youth Survey shows many county students are at risk

Source: The Healthy Youth Survey

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – As students wrap up their school years and head into summer, new data shows that parents and community members should be aware of signs to look for if someone is in crisis and where to go for help. An increasing number of Snohomish County teens say they feel sad or hopeless, have thoughts of suicide, or have attempted suicide.

The latest release of the 2014 Healthy Youth Survey data focuses on issues surrounding mental well-being, social support and risks of unintentional injuries. All fourteen school districts in Snohomish County participated in the surveys distributed last October, adding up to 11,852 sixth, eighth, tenth, and twelfth graders whose answers shed some light around the health of our youth.

“Since the school year started in September, we have lost 13 students to suicide, ranging in age from 12 to 19 years old,” said Dr. Gary Goldbaum, health officer and director for the Snohomish Health District. “That sobering fact, combined with responses from the students, demonstrates a real need for this community to come together and show our youth that they matter.”

The main takeaways for Snohomish County youth are:

· More students say depression significantly affects their daily activities. Youth were asked if they have ever felt so sad or hopeless every day for more than two weeks in a row that they stopped usual activities. While 6^th graders were not asked, 28.2 percent of 8^th graders, 36.3 percent of 10^th graders, and 35.8 percent of 12^th graders said that applied to them within the past year.

· Suicide planning and attempts continue to rise. There has been little to no improvement since 2008 in the number of youth who have seriously considered attempting suicide, have made a suicide plan, or who attempted suicide. Statistics for 6^th graders have stayed relatively unchanged, with 15.9 percent saying they have seriously thought about it in 2008, compared to 16.2 percent in 2014. However, the numbers have increased by 3 to 4 percent in all other grades for the same time period.

· Sophomores at slightly higher risk. In 2014, 1 out of 10 sophomores admitted to attempting suicide, 21 percent had seriously considered suicide, and almost 18 percent had planned out how they might do so. This compares to 4.8 percent of 6^thgraders, 8.8 percent of 8^th graders, and 8.2 percent of seniors who had attempted suicide.

· Youth are in need of adults they can turn to for help. Nearly 1 in 5 students report that they do not have a parent or trusted adult that they feel comfortable confiding in or asking for help from. Among high school students, about 80 percent of teens felt they could seek help from a parent, compared to 86 percent of 6^th graders. Only 70 percent of 10^th graders had an adult in their life, other than a parent, that they could turn to in a crisis.

“These results are quite distressing, but there are strategies to help our youth,” said Dr. Goldbaum. “Most important is getting young people to ask for help if they need it, and for the adults around them to be engaged, aware and listening. Our students need to know there is hope and something to look forward to. We all play a role in preventing suicide.”

If you or someone you know feels hopeless or contemplates suicide, there are numerous resources available in our community. Visit the Health District’s Youth Suicide Prevention page for a list of sites, phone numbers and apps available 24/7.

RESOURCE: Have a Safe and Healthy Summer

Suicide prevention—for both youth and adults—was one of the top three priority areas identified in the Community Health Improvement Plan. The plan lays out a number of objectives and strategies to be accomplished by the end of 2019. Individuals or groups interested in joining an action team working on one of the priorities, please contact us at 425.339.8650 or healthstats@snohd.org.

The Health District has prepared facts sheets on the depression and suicide data, as well as students’ unintentional injury risks. Each one features the most relevant questions and data for students in our county, as well as suggestions for what parents, schools, community groups, and government leaders can do moving forward. To view all of the fact sheets, visit www.snohd.org/Records-Reports/Data-Reports.

The Healthy Youth Survey is completed every two years and asks a variety of questions about substance use, safety behaviors, diet, physical and mental well-being, and school atmosphere.

To learn more, visit www.askhys.net.

County Residents to be Asked to Share Thoughts on Vaping

Health District Looks to Expand Smoking in Public Places Law

Source: Snohomish Health District

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – To vape, or not to vape—in public—that is the question. Amidst the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes and vaping, and rising ambiguity by business owners on whether it’s allowed in their establishments, the Snohomish Health District is evaluating options to prohibit vaping and vapor products in public places.

E-cigarettes and vaping products are not regulated the same way cigarettes are. This leads to public health concerns about potential exposure to the unknown mixture of chemicals in the vapor, as well as the rise in teens and young adults using this new type of addictive nicotine product.

“This is not about telling someone what they can and can’t do in private,” said Dr. Gary Goldbaum, health officer and director of the Snohomish Health District. “Instead, this is part of our role in public health to make sure the most vulnerable are protected. This includes our youth, pregnant women, and those with compromised health. That is our primary concern.”

The Smoking in Public Places Law was passed in 2005, making Washington the 10th state in the country to implement a law prohibiting smoking in all restaurants and bars, as well as the 5th state to require that 100 percent of all indoor workplaces be smoke-free. In January 2015, the Health District created Chapter 13 of the local code, which clarified places of employment and that the law applied to marijuana and hookah smoking, as well as to cigarettes.

“This review of vaping will help the Board of Health better understand the issues as it considers incorporating vaping into the smoking in public places law,” said Dr. Goldbaum. “We have been following the rapid increase in vaping, particularly among our youth, and we believe now is the right time to address use in public places.”

At the June 9 board meeting, staff presented a brief update and a recommended timeframe for continuing to evaluate the issue. The board endorsed the schedule and agreed to form a subcommittee, starting with its first meeting on July 1.

“This first meeting is really to allow our subcommittee the chance to dig into the details of vaping and vapor products, and to ask questions of staff,” said Heather Thomas, communications and public affairs officer for the Health District. “We also want to engage the community in this process over the next few months to ensure any changes to our local code are done with the health and well-being of Snohomish County residents in mind.”

· The first subcommittee meeting will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1 in the Snohomish Health District’s Auditorium at 3020 Rucker Ave., Everett, Wash. The meeting is open to the public, but no comment will be taken at this initial meeting.

· Following the first meeting, a preliminary comment period will be open from July 6-31. There will be a series of 4-5 questions that the community will be asked to respond to via either email, online survey or mailed in responses. Details for the comment period will be released closer to the opening date.

· A second meeting will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21 at a location to be announced later. This will be a public listening session where the subcommittee hears feedback from the community on the issue.

· The subcommittee will reconvene in mid-August to review the comments received, and a recommendation for next steps is expected to be presented to the full board in September.

A webpage has been created for this process, and the public is encouraged to visit http://www.snohd.org/Healthy-Living/Smoke-Free-Living/Vaping-Vapor-Products. This page will be kept updated with details for the meetings and comment period, as well as links to resources and educational materials.

The Snohomish Health District works for a safer and healthier community through disease prevention, health promotion, and protection from environmental threats. Incorporated in 1959, Snohomish Health District is separate from Snohomish County government, although it provides financial support and is an essential partner in many functions. To read more about Snohomish Health District and for important health information, visit www.snohd.org.

Snohomish County medication “take back” locations

Submitted by Lori Hartelius M.S. LMHC MHP, Tulalip Family Services

What’s wrong with throwing my medicines in the garbage or flushing them down the toilet?

About 30 percent of medicines are not used. Flushing waste medicines pollutes the environment. Medicines are now found in our surface and ground water, as well as drinking water supplies. Wastewater treatment facilities do not remove most medicines. Throwing medicines in the garbage – especially controlled substances like OxyContin and other pain relievers – is not safe because the drugs can be found and used by others. Medicines thrown in the trash can also get into the environment. Leaving them in your medicine cabinets at home can also be dangerous and get into the wrong hands. Taking any unused medication to a “take back” location is easier than ever. There are numerous locations all around the county including most Bartell Drug stores and local police stations.

Stillaguamish Tribal Police 22714 6th Ave. NE, Arlington WA 98223 Mon-Fri, 8am – 10pm Accepts controlled substances 360-654-0645

Arlington Police Station 110 E. Third St., Arlington WA 98223-1300 Mon-Fri 9am-4pmAccepts controlled substances 360-403-3400

Bothell Police Department 18410 101st Ave. NE, Bothell WA 98011 Mon-Fri, 7am-4pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Bartell Drugs, Bothell – Canyon Park 22833 Bothell-Everett Hwy , 98021 No controlled substances 425-485-3525

Brier Police Station 2901 228th St. SW, Brier WA 98036 Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Darrington Police 1115 Seeman St., Darrington WA 98241 Monday-Friday, 9:30am-12pm and 1:30pm-5pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Bartell Drugs, Edmonds Pharmacy 23028 100th Ave. W, Edmonds WA 98020 Mon-Fri 9am-9pm; Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 10am-6pm No controlled substances425-774-4916

Edmonds Police 250 Fifth Ave. N, Edmonds WA 98020 Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm Accepts controlled substances425-388-3199

Snohomish County Sheriff – Jail 3025 Oakes Ave., Everett WA 98201 Monday-Friday, 8am-10pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Bartell Drugs, Everett – Silver Lake 11020 19th Ave , Everett WA 98208 No controlled substances 425-379-5390

Bartell Drugs, Everett – Broadway 1825 Broadway, Everett WA 98201 No controlled substances. 425-303-2583

Bartell Drugs, Everett – Seattle Hill Road 5006 132nd Street SE Bldg. A, Everett WA No controlled substances 425-357-6129

Everett Police – North Precinct 3002 Wetmore Ave., Everett WA 98201 Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm Accepts controlled substances 425-257-8400

Everett Police – South Precinct 1121 SE Everett Mall Way, Everett WA 98208 Monday-Thursday, 10am-5pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Group Health Cooperative, Everett Medical Center Pharmacy 2930 Maple St., Everett WA 98201 – Mon-Fri 8:30am-9pm; Sat 9am-3:30pm; Sun 9am-12:30pm No controlled substances 425-261-1560 425-388-3199

NCIS – Naval Station Everett 2000 W Marine View Dr., Bldg. 2000, Rm 234, Everett WA 98201 Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Snohomish County Sheriff – Courthouse 4th Floor Courthouse; 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett WA 98201 Mon-Fri, 9:30am-4:30pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Gold Bar Police 107 Fifth St., Gold Bar WA 98251 Monday-Friday, 10am-12pm & 1pm-4pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Granite Falls Police 205 S Granite Ave., Granite Falls WA 98252 Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm & 1pm-5pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Pharm-A-Save 207 E Stanley St #A, Granite Falls WA 98252 Monday-Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-6pm No controlled substances 360-691-7778

Bartell Drugs Frontier Village Pharmacy 621 SR9 NE, Lake Stevens WA 98258 Mon-Fri 8am-9pm; Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 10am-6pm No controlled substances 425-334-8410

Lake Stevens Police 2211 Grade Rd., Lake Stevens WA 98258 Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Bartell Drugs Lynnwood Pharmacy 17633 Highway 99, Lynnwood WA 98037 Mon-Fri 9am-9pm; Sat. 9am-6pm; Sun 10am-6pm No controlled substances 425-743-1136

Lynnwood Police 19321 44th Ave. W, Lynnwood WA 98036 Monday-Sunday, 8am-5pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Marysville Police 1635 Grove St., Marysville WA 98270 Monday-Friday, 8am-3pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Snohomish County Sheriff– North Precinct 15100 40th Ave. NE, Marysville WA 98271 Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Washington State Patrol – Marysville 2700 116th St. NE, Marysville WA 98271 Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm & 1pm-5pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Bartell Drugs, Marysville 6602 64th St NE , Marysville WA 98270 No controlled substances 360-658-6218

Mill Creek Police15728 Main St., Mill Creek WA 98012 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Snohomish County Sheriff– South Precinct 15928 Mill Creek Boulevard, Mill Creek WA 98012 – Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Monroe Police 818 W Main St., Monroe WA 98272 Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Mountlake Terrace Police 5906 232nd St. SW, Mountlake Terrace WA 98043 Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Bartell Drugs, Mountlake Terrace 22803 44th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace WA 98043 No controlled substances 425-771-3835

Mukilteo Police 10500 47th Pl. W, Mukilteo WA 98275 Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Snohomish Police 230 Maple Ave., Snohomish WA 98290 Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm Accepts controlled substances 425-388-3199

Bartell Drugs, Snohomish 1115 13th St, Snohomish WA 98290 No controlled substances 360-568-4153

Stanwood Police 8727 271st St. NW, Stanwood WA 98292 – NOTE: Stanwood Police Department medicine take-back location is temporarily closed from December 10 through March 10,2015 Accepts controlled substances425-388-3199

Bartell Drugs, Stanwood 7205 267th St NW, Stanwood WA 98292 No controlled substances 360-939-2188

Sultan Police 515 Main St., Sultan WA 98294 Mon-Thurs, 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm Accepts controlled substances425-388-3199

Homeless People Will Be Counted This Week In King, Pierce And Snohomish Counties

By Ashley Gross, KPLU.org

Later this week, volunteers will fan out across King, Snohomish and Pierce counties to try to tally all of the people without a home as part of annual counts that take place at the end of January.

King County’s One Night Count has been going on for 35 years — since before counties were even required by the state and federal governments to keep track of the numbers.

Alison Eisinger of the Seattle King County Coalition on Homelessness says about 1,000 volunteers participate in the count. She says even people who work day-to-day on the problem of homelessness are surprised by what they discover during the event. Eisinger remembers one volunteer who thought she already had a good understanding of the issue of homelessness.

“But she was surprised at how emotionally devastating it was for her to realize that there were families in their vehicles parked in the parking lot of the place where she does her family’s grocery shopping every day,” Eisinger said.

Eisinger says volunteers have found people who have planted gardens around their camp sites, or even constructed small makeshift houses. Some people are found sleeping in hammocks or treehouses.

Last year, more than 3,100 people in King County were found with no shelter during the three-hour period in the middle of the night. Seattle Mayor Ed Murray says he expects the numbers this year to be even higher.

Naloxone kits now available in Snohomish County

naloxone-first-responder-kit-for-emergency-responders

Potentially lifesaving drug

Source: Snohomish Health District

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. – In 2013 there were 86 opioid drug overdoses in Snohomish County, and 580 within Washington State. The availability of naloxone (sold under the brand name Narcan) could potentially cut down on deaths due to heroin and prescription opioid drugs (morphine, oxycodone/OxyContin, methadone, hydrocodone/Vicodin, and codeine). The Washington State 911 Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Law lets bystanders give naloxone if they suspect an overdose. This law protects the victim and those helping from prosecution for drug possession. Washington State law states that anyone at risk for having or witnessing a drug overdose can obtain an overdose reversal kit (containing naloxone). This would include drug users, family, and friends. Naloxone cannot be used to get high and is not addictive.

Naloxone is available as an easy to use nasal spray that is given to someone who is exhibiting the symptoms of a drug overdose:

· Excessive sleepiness

· Not responding when someone rubs the middle of the chest

· Shallow breaths or not breathing

The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute at the University of Washington offers additional information on Naloxone and its uses at www.stopoverdose.org.

Naloxone kits are now available at a number of pharmacies in Snohomish County. These kits are available just by asking the pharmacists, there is no need to see a doctor to obtain a prescription. The cost of the kits is around $125. Pharmacists will provide education to those being given a Naloxone kit on how to use it and when to use it. Below is a list of the pharmacies that currently carry the kits:

Providence Pharmacy

19200 N Kelsey St

Monroe, WA

3601-794-5555

QFC Pharmacy

27008 92^nd Ave NW

Stanwood, WA

360-629-0662

Haggen Pharmacy

3711 88^th St NE

Marysville, WA

360-530-7761

Bellegrove Pharmacy

18800 142^nd Ave NE

Woodinville WA

425-455-2123

According to Dr. Gary Goldbaum, Snohomish County’s Health Officer and Director of the Snohomish Health District, “Even a single death due to opioid overdose is unacceptable.” Although helping drug users to quit is the best approach, Dr. Goldbaum notes that “Naloxone can be life-saving.” He urges anyone who has a friend or family member who uses drugs to consider keeping Naloxone easily accessible.

You can find more information about injection drug use on our website at http://www.snohd.org/Diseases-Risks/Injection-Drug-Use

Local food bank helps Tulalip families in need

Tamara Morden makes last minute checks to boxes that will be given to families in need. Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News — Tamara Morden makes last minute checks to boxes that will be given to families in need.
Photo/ Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

By Brandi N. Montreuil, Tulalip News

TULALIP – Tulalip Church of God, known locally as the ‘red church,’ helps families in the Tulalip and Snohomish County area supplement their dietary needs. The food bank hands out donations to nearly 400 families every second and fourth Tuesday of each month, says volunteer and organizer, Tamara Morden, who explains that families must provide an address of residence to receive donations.

Local businesses such as Safeway, Winco and Northwest Harvest donate much needed supplies and are the food bank’s main source of food supply. Morden, who works a full-time regular job says she volunteers 20 hours a month to pick up, pack, and organize donations.

“Everyone is welcome who needs it. We don’t turn people away,” said Morden.

The food bank is open every second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome.Tulalip Church of God is located at 1330 Marine Drive NE, Tulalip, WA 98271 and can be reached at 360-653-7876.