Showing posts with label health and wellness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health and wellness. Show all posts

DOJ and UW Medical Center - Northwest resolve allegations the medical center violated the Americans with Disabilities Act in caring for patients who are deaf

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Photo courtesy Liberty University which offers a BA in American Sign Language and Interpreting

Seattle – University of Washington Medical Center – Northwest (UWMC-NW) will reform its policies and procedures for providing sign-language interpreters, and other assistive devices for patients who are deaf or hard of hearing following a complaint from a patient that such services were not provided during a hospitalization in 2021. 

UWMC-NW will pay the patient $40,000 in addition to the changes in training, policies, and procedures.

“Ensuring effective communication in medical settings has been a top priority in our civil rights work,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gorman. 
“Before and after surgery, a patient must be able to understand the medical staff and communicate their level of pain, their concerns, and any questions they have about ongoing care. This settlement clearly lays out the steps for UWMC-NW to comply with the ADA and provide best practices for their patients.”

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public entities, including healthcare providers, provide auxiliary aids and services free of charge to patients who need them in order to communicate effectively. 

An investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington, determined that UWMC-NW failed to provide the complainant with a qualified sign language interpreter necessary to communicate effectively with her on several occasions during her hospital stay in April 2021 including pre-surgical consultation, surgery, and post-surgical care. 

The hospital did attempt to use a Video Relay Interpreter (VRI) service, but it was ineffective.

The settlement requires the hospital to make a number of changes including:
  • UWMC-NW will have a designated ADA Coordinator on duty at all times that the hospital is open to the public. That person will coordinate services and assistive devices for patients who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing.
  • The UWMC-NW will enter into contracts with three interpreter services so that they are able to obtain an interpreter in a reasonable period of time.
  • Video Remote Interpreting will be used only if it meets certain guidelines, and will not be used for certain complex or lengthy appointments where in-person interpretation is critical.
  • All staff will be trained on the new procedures including the initial evaluation of whether a patient needs assistive services for communication.
  • The hospital will log the use of assistive devices and services and provide that log to the U.S. Attorney’s Office every six months for review. The hospital will also provide any complaints regarding provision of assistive services.
The review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue for the next three years. If the U.S. Attorney’s Office believes the terms of this settlement have been violated it can file suit in U.S. District Court.

The investigation and settlement were negotiated by Assistant United States Attorney Matt Waldrop.


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Over-the-counter oral contraceptive approved by FDA

Friday, July 14, 2023

Dr. Sarah Prager
UW Medicine
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Opill (norgestrel) tablet for nonprescription use to prevent pregnancy— the first daily oral contraceptive approved for use in the U.S. without a prescription. 

Approval of this progestin-only oral contraceptive pill provides an option for consumers to purchase oral contraceptive medicine without a prescription at drug stores, convenience stores and grocery stores, as well as online.  

The timeline for availability and price of this nonprescription product is determined by the manufacturer. Other approved formulations and dosages of other oral contraceptives will remain available by prescription only. 

Dr. Sarah Prager, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and the director of the department’s family planning division, expects the expanded availability to have widespread positive impact.

“Honestly, it impacts everybody because it doesn't matter what socioeconomic or sociodemographic group somebody is in: Almost all people who are using contraception at one point or another find themselves with a prescription that has run out, and the pharmacy is closed or they can't get in to see their clinician to get a refill, or they're traveling or some (other) barrier to being able to effectively contracept,” Prager said.

 

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What is the fuss about health and gas stoves?

Wednesday, July 12, 2023


What is the fuss about health and gas stoves?

Find out on July 18, 2023 at 7pm at Third Place Commons 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park.

Recently there has been a lot of discussion on TV, online and in the newspaper about gas stoves. 
  • Are they a risk to your health? 
  • Do gas stoves increase the potential for childhood asthma? 
  • Are jurisdictions going to take away gas stoves?

Dr. Mark Vossler with Physicians for Social Responsibility will clear the air. He will share information about the health risks from gas stoves for adults and especially children. The presentation will look at the advantages of electrifying not just your stove but also other parts of your home.

Gary Hawkey, a Lake Forest Park resident, will provide a demonstration of cooking on an inductions stove.

This is the first of a summer series on climate-friendly homes sponsored by the cities of Lake Forest Park, Shoreline and Kenmore.

Save the dates!
  • August 17, at 6pm at the Hanger at Town Center (6728 NE 181st Street, Kenmore) there will be a presentation on solar installation.
  • September 19, 7pm at Shoreline City Hall (17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline) there will be a presentation on heat pumps.


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UW Med: Outdoor adventure program for people with younger-onset Alzheimer’s to launch this summer

Sunday, July 9, 2023

People diagnosed with Alzheimer’s before age 65 will have a new opportunity to connect with others while exploring the great outdoors through a program called SOAR (Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience).

Offered by UW Medicine Memory and Brain Wellness Center, SOAR will feature free monthly hikes in the Puget Sound area, for small groups of people with younger-onset Alzheimer’s, who will participate alongside a family member or friend.

Each hike will be led by a Lifelong Recreation Specialist from Seattle Parks and Recreation, with optional transportation provided.

Hikes will be up to 3 to 4 miles, with varied terrain to provide a challenge but still be accessible to a wide range of participants. Volunteer naturalists will join periodically to provide education about plants and animals in the region.

While around 10% of people with Alzheimer’s are diagnosed before age 65, most support services are geared toward people at a different stage of life. As a result, younger people navigating Alzheimer’s can feel isolated and alone.

SOAR aims to change that, and to respond to requests for physical activities geared to this population.

The program is made possible by a 2023 Innovation Programs Grant from the I’m Still Here Foundation.

A SOAR kickoff event will be held from 10am to 2pm, Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at the Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle. 

Details and a kickoff event sign up form are online here



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Harborview preps for dozens of fireworks injuries

Friday, June 30, 2023


Entrance to Harborview emergency burn center

In recent years, Harborview Medical Center’s Emergency Department has seen an average of 65 patients with fireworks-caused injuries around the Fourth of July.
 
“We normally see, unfortunately, two types of injury patterns, and large numbers of them: Injuries to the face and to the eyes and, sadly, injuries to people's hands as well,” said Dr. Steve Mitchell, the department's medical director. Fireworks injuries span all age groups, including young children.
“Oftentimes, the young children that we see are really innocent bystanders,” Mitchell said. 
“They were participating in a party or a family gathering and a firework was set off by somebody else. And then it oftentimes will hit them in the face and affect their eyes or their face. It’s a significant problem.”

Mitchell says the best prevention against such injuries is to avoid lighting your own fireworks and instead celebrate the holiday by enjoying a public, professionally run fireworks show. People who do plan to use fireworks responsibly and legally should avoid mixing the activity with alcohol consumption, he urged.

“All of these injuries are very tragic. It really impacts that person directly as well as the people that they love, and their ability to participate in life and also really care for their family and themselves.”


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Drop-in mental health support for middlle and high-school students at Shoreline Teen Center on Thursdays

Tuesday, June 27, 2023


Did you know that the City of Shoreline has drop-in mental health support for middle and high school students? 

Every Thursday this summer, from 2:30 - 6pm, teens and tweens can visit a licensed mental health therapist free of charge at the Teen Center!  16554 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline WA 98133

This program is provided in partnership with the Center for Human Services.

For more information contact Drissa at dsangare@chs-nw.org

Thursdays you can also meet the Val with Youth Care. https://youthcare.org/


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Bleeding control kits to be distributed across the region


More than 1,700 bleeding control kits will be distributed to community locations across the Puget Sound region. These kits, along with simple training, help the public provide basic life-saving assistance to stop bleeding before first responders can get there.

King County Office of Emergency Management is coordinating the purchase and distribution of the kits in King County, and to its partner emergency management agencies in the cities of Seattle and Bellevue, and Snohomish and Pierce counties.

Bleeding control kit
These “Stop the Bleed” kits will be distributed as part of a multi-year initiative. Along with the placement of the kits, the community locations receiving the kits commit to providing training on the use of the kits, either in-person or online. Funding for the bleeding control kits comes from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants that promote community resiliency.

The purpose of the bleeding control kits is to encourage the general public to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives.

“We have seen time and time again that if initial bleeding from a severe injury can be stopped quickly, the likelihood of a better outcome increases,” said King County Medic One Chief Andrea Coulson.

Community members can learn bleeding control skills at any time.

“Unfortunately, we have all been seeing an increase in the frequency of incidents across the country,” said King County Emergency Management Director Brendan McCluskey. “We hope these kits are never needed, but if they are, we want them in places where they can be most useful in saving lives, much like AEDs in public places have improved the chances of survival for heart attack victims.”

King County is expecting to purchase more bleeding control kits in the coming grant cycles. The hope is that these kits will provide the impetus for more community and other high-occupancy facility owners to learn about and purchase their own kits. 

Each bleeding control kit contains a tourniquet, gauze, and other medical supplies. The kits have an easy-to-follow guide on how to stop immediate bleeding, and a QR code that takes the user to a quick video training.

The “Stop the Bleed” program is administered by the American Colleges of Surgeons. According to its website, the campaign “was initiated by a federal interagency workgroup. The purpose of the campaign is to build national resilience by better preparing the public to save lives by raising awareness of basic actions to stop life-threatening bleeding following everyday emergencies and man-made and natural disasters.”

FEMA’s Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) assists high-threat, high-density Urban Area efforts to build, sustain, and deliver the capabilities necessary to prevent, prepare for, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism. The Seattle region has been designated one of those areas since 2003.


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FREE LFP Yoga Summer Stretch Series in the park

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Join with neighbors and friends to celebrate summer, for a weekly Yoga in the Park, Summer Stretch Series at Pfingst Animal Acres Park, 17435 Brookside Blvd NE, LFP WA 98155

Saturday mornings July 8 through August 12, 2023 from 9:00am – 10:00am.
 
Each week will feature a different local instructor teaching a different style of yoga! 

All classes are open to all community members at any level.

Never done yoga? No problem. Come try something new while meeting new friends! Bring a yoga mat, a friend, your own hydration, and have some fun!

Facebook Event Page Here!


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UW Med: Anxiety and depression are related to what we eat

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Free lectures from Dr. Iman Majd
How and what you eat influences how you think, according to numerous studies. 

Dr. Iman Majd will discuss this connection Thursday evening, June 22, 2023 in a free online lecture. 

He directs UW Medicine’s Osher Center for Integrative Health and is an associate professor of family medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

“Gut health and brain health are intimately connected, and this is an emerging field that is just coming forward in the recent years,” Majd said. 
“Studies have shown that emotions, such as feelings of anxiety and depression, can be affected by the inflammation we have in the gut and is related to what we eat.”

Find out more and register for the free lecture series on the brain-gut connection in this article on the UW Medicine Newsroom.


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Pediatric, skilled nursing home opens in Shoreline

Tuesday, June 20, 2023


All photos by TH Photography except as noted

On the eve of the COVID 19 pandemic construction started on the first 15-bed, pediatric skilled nursing facility in Washington State. 

Years had passed since the Ashley House Organization had the vision of serving medically fragile children, youth, young adults and their families in Washington State. 

Bridges to Home

With the perseverance of the Ashley House organization and the support of a network of hospitals and care centers, the complex and highly anticipated facility overcame regulatory and licensing obstacles to fill this need across the country.

Ashley House was created in 1989 by a small group of individuals who recognized that there was a gap in services available to medically fragile children and their families. Prior to the creation of Ashley House, medically fragile and complex children stayed in hospitals longer than necessary, resided in adult nursing homes or were placed out of state far away from their families. 

Main courtyard from entry

When children with severe medical diagnoses leave the hospital, they often still need complex medical care. Ashley House provides transition between hospital and home for children who require complex care. 

Until now their services were provided with renovated single-family homes that allow up to six kids.

Entry and Reception

Bridges to Home, the new 15-bed, pediatric skilled nursing facility in Shoreline Washington, is the first of its kind and will not only set a precedent for other facilities, it will allow Ashley House to provide the next level of care and provide needed support to acute care centers like Seattle Children's Hospital

Consultation Room

The design team focused on how the spaces would support care providers as well as how the facility would provide the best possible experience for families that are going through these incredible endeavors. 

“We wanted to provide some WOW factors as well as places of respite from the overwhelming weight of seeing a child connected to such intensive medical equipment,” the lead architect noted. 

The Common Room

The facility provides two outdoor courts for kids and their families to “get a breath of fresh air”, a beautiful common room with lots of activities for the kids, as well as a literal bridge at the main entry in the home-like environment.

Neighbors called the original residence "The Mansion" Photo from Google Maps

The project started as a non-conforming, over-sized, single-family home in the Echo Lake neighborhood of Shoreline. 

Gabbert Architects Planners, the lead for the design team, worked with the City of Shoreline to modify the land-use code to allow the facility in the residential zoning, as well as how the facility would comply with the other municipal code regulations.

Ashley House staff maintained close communication with the neighbors and the Echo Lake Neighborhood Association, all of whom were fully supportive of the project.

The facility can serve 15 patients

One particularly encumbering requirement was the parking regulation that required half of the twelve (12) required spaces to be within the building. This eliminated the potential to use the basement for patient care and required the project to provide a drive aisle through the single-family structure and back out to the street, without adding any more impervious surface to the already non-conforming site.

Gabbert Architects Planners also worked with the Washington State Department of Health to align the facility with the intent of the regulations created for adult or general skilled nursing facilities. 

Patient room

Because federal and state regulations are written for beds rather than cribs, many of the operational requirements were discussed considering the standard of care that Ashley House already provides in their other facilities and how it will work at the larger scale.

Nurses station from hall

Construction got underway just as the Covid 19 pandemic hit the economy. Given the severity of the virus and the fragility of the kids that Ashley House cares for, many adjustments were made to the already tightly designed facility that needed approval from many authorities.

Now the facility is open and can begin admitting patients who are ready to leave Children's but not ready for home. It truly is a Bridge.

Correction: Photos are by TH Photography


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Get access to FREE naloxone for yourself, your friends in case of drug overdose

Sunday, June 11, 2023


Naloxone works on opioids, such as: heroin, fentanyl, oxycontin / oxycodone and other opioid pain medications. If the victim presents with the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, naloxone should be administered regardless of what drug was assumed to have been consumed. 

Washington's Good Samaritan Law provides some protection when calling 9-1-1 to save a life — even if drugs are at the scene. (RCW 69.50.315). 

You should give naloxone to anyone who has taken drugs and may be overdosing. Someone who is overdosing may stop breathing or their breathing may be slow and labored. Act fast! An overdose is life threatening. 

Give naloxone even if you do not know what kind of drugs a person took.  Naloxone will only work on opioids, but there is no harm if they took a different kind of drug.
Access to free naloxone (Narcan)


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Students from Shorecrest and Shorewood win honors in state Youth Science Contest

First place winner Minseo Kim,
Shorewood High School
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) congratulates the winners of the second annual Washington Tracking Network (WTN) Youth Science Contest

The contest is an opportunity for high school students to develop their science and communication skills by engaging with health and environmental data from their own communities.

“I would like to thank DOH for this wonderful opportunity to have fun doing research while positively contributing to my community,” said first place winner Minseo Kim who is a tenth grader at Shorewood High School in Shoreline.

Students could submit projects in three tracks: Health Science, Science Communication, and Community Engagement. 

Winning projects ranged from research papers to poems and were selected based on content, health and equity impact, and presentation. Projects were judged by relevant experts within DOH.

“It’s great to see the diversity of health issues the students care about, and to be able to provide them feedback to help them use science to improve the health of people in Washington,” said WTN Manager Jennifer Sabel.

All winning projects can be viewed on the WTN website

Health Science:

Individual Division
  • 1st Place - Air Stagnation and Lung Cancer Mortalities in Washington State, by Minseo Kim, Shorewood High School
  • 2nd Place - The Association of Radon Poisoning Levels and Poverty Rates in Washington, by Rishav Panigrahi, Shorecrest High School
  • 3rd Place - Lung Cancer and the Environment, by Kennedy Camacho, Selah High School

Ava Jensen and Rebecca Swinney, Shorecrest High School
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools
Group Division
  • 1st Place - Lung Cancer in Washington State, by Mehuli N. and Keerthi Rajesh, Tesla STEM High School
  • 2nd Place - Indigenous Peoples’ Mental Health, by Ava Jensen and Rebecca Swinney, Shorecrest High School
  • 3rd Place (tie) - Diabesity: Diabetes and Obesity Related to Corporate Fast Food Chains, by Laci Ross and Lauren Rice, Selah High School
  • 3rd Place (tie) - Opioid Crisis in Washington, by Samuel Lin, Interlake High School, and Ian Yum, Bellevue High School
L-R Samia Ahmed, Ella Richardson, Rishav Panigrahi,
 Dawson Bailey, Shorecrest High School
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools
Science Communication:

Individual Division
  • 1st Place - Antibiotic Resistance Public Service Announcement (“Help Prevent a World Without Cure”), by Krithi Iyer, Redmond High School
  • 2nd Place - Health Disparities in Skin Protection Education and How We Can Combat Them, by Saisha Lakkoju, Bothell High School
  • 3rd Place - Turmoil: Mental Health and Illness Disparities, by C. Dawson Bailey, Shorecrest High School
Group Division
  • 1st Place - Lead by the Numbers: School Water Toxicity, by Srishti Boral and Vihitha Kumar, Eastlake High School
  • 2nd Place - Abortions and Safe Pregnancies, by Samia Ahmed and Ella Richardson, Shorecrest High School


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Shoreline Community College receives federal grant to develop study abroad program in Bolivia for nursing students

Saturday, June 10, 2023

Shoreline Community College (SCC) is one of 34 U.S. colleges and universities in 28 U.S. states to be awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students (IDEAS) Program, which aims to develop and expand study abroad programs around the world.

“One of our goals is to better connect with our external and local international partners to best serve the diverse northern Seattle area. 
"Opportunities like this not only support that goal but also provide wonderful learning opportunities for our faculty and students,” said SCC President Dr. Jack Kahn.

Of the 34 U.S. colleges and universities, eight are community colleges and 13 are minority-serving institutions. The selected proposals will develop new international partnerships, train faculty and staff, internationalize curriculum, engage diverse students in study abroad, broaden the destinations where U.S. students study, and create virtual and hybrid exchanges.

“Increasing and diversifying U.S. students going abroad for educational opportunities, as well as diversifying the places where they study, is a State Department priority,” said Lee Satterfield, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs.

This IDEAS Program Award will allow Shoreline Community College to develop a new study abroad program for Washington community college nursing students.

The new program leverages a long-standing and successful study/service-learning abroad program in dental hygiene, led by SCC and our non-profit partner in Seattle and Bolivia, Smiles Forever.

“Study abroad programs have been particularly impacted by the pandemic and it is encouraging to see the federal government’s support in supporting their revival. 
"U.S. students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, benefit tremendously from these opportunities,” said Samira Pardanani, Associate Vice President, International Education and Global Engagement.

This study abroad program will be unique among community college nursing programs, as study abroad experiences are largely inaccessible for nursing students. 

Colleen Ferguson, Special Project Lead, International Engagement had this to say about the program,

“With the IDEAS Program Award, nursing faculty will be supported in developing a new service-learning program to Bolivia that will allow our nursing students the opportunity to practice their unique skills and gain valuable cross-cultural experience.”

The IDEAS Program is a program of the U.S Department of State with funding provided by the United States Government and supported in its implementation by World Learning.

Founded in 1964, Shoreline Community College offers more than 100 rigorous academic and professional/technical degrees and certificates to meet the lifelong learning needs of its diverse students and communities.


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Department of Health unveils free, dual language ‘Walk With Ease’ program

Monday, May 29, 2023

Interurban Trail in Echo Lake Park
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has released a free, new walking program designed to help people manage and prevent chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis. 

The program, called Walk With Ease, is a self-directed walking program available in English and Spanish that aims to improve people’s health.

After enrollment, participants register, choose a start date, and begin walking three times per week using their own Walk With Ease guidebook and walking journal. 

Participants can also use the online portal to sign up for email alerts, access video resources, and log their progress.

The program aims to help people:
  • Develop a walking plan that meets their needs.
  • Stay motivated.
  • Manage pain.
  • Learn to exercise safely by meeting them where they are today.
“Figuring out how to be active can be hard for people with chronic conditions,” said Kyle Unland, Section Manager of Community-Based Prevention at DOH. “Walk With Ease provides people with a step-by-step plan to get moving and the support needed to make moving easier.”
Research studies on Walk With Ease found it to be safe and effective. It can help people:
  • Reduce pain and stiffness in joints, including from arthritis.
  • Feel less tired.
  • Increase stamina, strength, and balance.
  • Preserve independence.
  • Feel a sense of accomplishment and improved confidence by being in control of their health and well-being.
For more information or to sign up for the free program, visit DOH's website.


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UW Medicine to facilitate state-mandated psilocybin trial

Wednesday, May 17, 2023


In early May, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5263 governing recreational and medical use of psilocybin. The new law mandates that the University of Washington School of Medicine facilitate a study to explore the potential therapeutic value of the psychedelic compound found in mushrooms.

“The big benchmark in the bill says that we need to start (treating) people Jan. 1, 2025. We have about a year and a half to get all the infrastructure developed,” said addiction psychiatrist Dr. Nathan Sackett, who will oversee the trial. He’s an acting assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences.

Little is known about how psilocybin affects mental health. Early studies have shown positive results, and clinical trials underway in the United States and abroad are intended to explore more deeply how psilocybin-assisted therapy might help people with depression, anxiety and other difficult-to-treat maladies.

Sackett said the Seattle-based trial will include 30 to 40 military veterans and first-responders who have documented problems with post-traumatic stress and alcohol use disorders, which are often linked. 

Participants will likely be recruited through community groups who already work with prospective participants.

To learn more, read this blog post


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Massive Seattle / King county free clinic treats over 3,000 patients in a weekend

Thursday, May 11, 2023

3,000 patients, 3,000 volunteers

Story and photos by Doug Cerretti

Seattle/King County Clinic (SKCC) brings together healthcare organizations, civic agencies, non-profits, private businesses and volunteers from across the State of Washington to produce a giant free health clinic at Seattle Center.

The Dental X-ray Computer Station serves two dentists and two dental technicians.

After a hiatus of three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a volunteer-driven four-day clinic providing free dental, vision and medical care to anyone in the region who struggles to access and/or afford healthcare was held April 26 to 30, 2023.

Dentist requesting her next patient.

Dental care included extractions, x-rays and deep cleanings. Vision care included vision screening, complete eye exams, reading and prescription eyeglasses. 

And medical care included physical exams, x-rays, mammograms, ultrasounds, select lab tests, immunizations, foot and wound care, dermatology, physical and occupational therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, behavioral health, and more. 

SKCC is a major function of the Seattle Center Foundation.

X-rays using the handheld Nomad X-ray unit.

The day starts early for patients at 5:30am when admission tickets are distributed on a first come first served basis: 550 for dental, 325 for vision and 200 for medical care each day. 

Those patients needing additional care after SKCC are directed to community health clinics. I again volunteered at the dental x-ray station with a team of dental professionals for triage. 

Analyzing the X-ray to determine the required treatment.

Typically, the dentist will ask a patient what problems they are experiencing. During the examination, I enter the patient's name and ID number into the computer database.

Interpreters wearing red vests are highly visible.

If an x-ray is needed, the dental technician will use a Nomad handheld x-ray unit. The x-ray will appear on the computer screen and the dentist will determine the course of action. 

The patient is sent to one of 89 dental chairs manned by a dentist and dental technician for treatment. 

Dentist communicating with a patient
using an off-site interpreter

In person interpreters are available but if one is not, an interpreter from a remote location is used with a communication station. This SKCC clinic served over 3000 patients with the support of over 3000 volunteers.

The next SKCC will be held February 15-18, 2024

See our previous article on SKCC


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Inslee signs laws to protect reproductive health and gender-affirming care

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Gov. Jay Inslee signs abortion and gender affirming care policies at a bill signing ceremony on the University of Washington campus in Seattle on April 27

The Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision last year overturned Roe v. Wade and unleashed a multi-pronged attack on reproductive freedom nationwide. But states like Washington are fighting back to protect the right to abortion, gender-affirming care and other health freedoms.

On April 27, 2023 Gov. Jay Inslee signed five bills that will protect access to a common abortion medication; enhance data privacy for people who share their health information with third party apps; protect Washington patients and providers who may face legal threats from other states; protect providers’ licenses; and eliminate out-of-pocket costs to make abortion access more equitable.

“The right of choice is an issue of freedom,” Inslee said. “Health care must remain the providence of individual Washingtonians. These laws will keep the tentacles of oppressive and overreaching states out of Washington.”

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Bacterial infection kills seven patients at downtown Virginia Mason

Klebsiella pneumoniae
A bacterial infection at the downtown campus o Virginia Mason Hospital has infected 31 people to date and killed seven of them.

According to Seattle / King county public health:

Klebsiella pneumoniae are common bacteria that can be part of the normal bacteria living in our bodies, including in our intestines. 

However, sometimes the bacteria can enter a part of the body where it is not normally found and can cause infections such as urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, and pneumonia.

In healthcare settings, the bacteria can spread through person-to-person contact, often from contaminated hands. 

This can happen if you touch someone who has the infection and don’t wash your hands well afterward. Additionally, the bacteria might contaminate environmental surfaces, such as medical equipment like ventilators or catheters. Bacteria can then spread from the equipment to the patient.

One of the reasons Public Health is concerned about the bacteria circulating in this outbreak is because it has a specific enzyme that breaks down common types of antibiotics, making them ineffective.

Seattle / King county public health has issued a Q/A which can be read here.


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Free Metro pass for Seattle / King County clinic at Seattle Center Friday - Sunday

Friday, April 28, 2023

Do you need a ride to the Seattle/King County Clinic

The event started Thursday, April 27, and runs through Sunday, April 30, 2023.

Get a FREE King County Metro Transit day-pass to get to and from the Seattle/King County Clinic

*Please note that this ticket is not valid on Sound Transit LINK or express bus service.



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Inslee signs laws to protect reproductive health and gender-affirming care

Gov. Jay Inslee signs abortion and gender affirming care policies at a bill signing ceremony on the University of Washington campus in Seattle on April 27. Photo courtesy Governor's Office.

Washington’s nation-leading efforts to stem the attack on choice now include enhanced data privacy, shield laws for providers and patients, and reduced costs

The Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision last year overturned Roe v. Wade and unleashed a multi-pronged attack on reproductive freedom nationwide. But states like Washington are fighting back to protect the right to abortion, gender-affirming care and other health freedoms.

Today Gov. Jay Inslee signed five bills that will protect access to a common abortion medication; enhance data privacy for people who share their health information with third party apps; protect Washington patients and providers who may face legal threats from other states; protect providers’ licenses; and eliminate out-of-pocket costs to make abortion access more equitable.

“The right of choice is an issue of freedom,” Inslee said. “Health care must remain the providence of individual Washingtonians. These laws will keep the tentacles of oppressive and overreaching states out of Washington.”



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