🏛️ Skamania County Board of Health – April 8, 2025 Meeting Recap
The Skamania County Board of Health gathered on April 8 to guide decisions that affect the health and well-being of our community. Made up of both elected officials and appointed residents, the board oversees critical programs in immunization, emergency preparedness, and environmental health.
The Skamania County Board of Health gathered on April 8 to guide decisions that affect the health and well-being of our community. Made up of both elected officials and appointed residents, the board oversees critical programs in immunization, emergency preparedness, and environmental health.
🔊 Public Comment Highlights
A local resident raised concerns about proposed federal Medicaid cuts and asked whether Skamania County plans to offer measles vaccination clinics. While no mass clinics are scheduled at this time, routine vaccinations remain available through the county.
✅ Consent Agenda Approved
- March 11, 2025 meeting minutes
- April 1, 2025 special meeting minutes
These were approved without objection.
📑 Contract Amendment #2 Approved
The board recommended approval of Amendment #2 to the 2025–2027 Consolidated Contract with the Washington State Department of Health. This contract helps fund:
- Immunization programs
- Emergency preparedness efforts
- Family planning services
- Youth tobacco and vaping prevention
Although the contract includes financial elements, final approval rests with the Board of County Commissioners.
🌱 Environmental Health Update
David Waymire (Community Development Director) announced a septic education workshop in partnership with the City of Stevenson. The workshop will help homeowners and realtors understand local permitting and septic system design. A full report on water quality and permitting is expected at a future meeting.
🩺 Community Health Program Updates
Tamara Cissell (Community Health Director) shared two key items:
- Skamania County staff will participate in a statewide emergency medical response exercise later this year.
- The Healthy Youth Survey is gearing up for fall. Data from this survey supports grants and community youth programs.
🌍 DEI: Discussion on Equity in Local Health
The board spent time reflecting on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in local health efforts. Highlights from the discussion:
“Equity means recognizing that different people have different needs—and removing barriers so everyone can access care.”
Some board members emphasized maintaining universal access without overemphasizing labels; others highlighted that intentional design is often required to reach marginalized groups. Public Health staff shared real-world examples from COVID vaccine rollout and food worker outbreaks to illustrate the stakes of equitable planning.
🔁 Restructuring & Meeting Frequency
To better focus on strategy and impact, the board voted to move to quarterly meetings starting in August 2025, with additional meetings as needed. Members stressed the importance of using their time together to:
- Plan for public health emergencies (like wildfires or outbreaks)
- Build the Medical Reserve Corps volunteer base
- Improve communication with neighboring counties, including Hood River
💉 Measles Concerns & Immunization Trends
- There is no current outbreak in Skamania County, but vaccination rates have dropped below the 95% needed for herd immunity.
- A measles outbreak in early 2024 in Clark and Cowlitz Counties saw 8 cases and served as a warning sign.
- The county reminds residents that vaccinations are widely available through local healthcare providers.
“The mortality rate for measles is 1–3 deaths per 1,000 cases,” noted public health staff. “We saw how quickly outbreaks grow, and how costly they are—in lives and in dollars.”
📆 What’s Next?
Next meeting: August 2025
Focus topics: Preparedness, vaccination strategy, and cross-county collaboration
Find all meeting materials, including agendas, meeting packets, and audio at this link.
Stay informed and get involved: www.skamaniacounty.org