3/29/2012
Local events aim to help citizens lead healthy, productive lives
Contact |
Don Strick, Public Health |
Vancouver, WA – It’s easier to be healthy if your community is pulling for you. It’s easier to do well at work or in school if you’re healthy. It’s easier to thrive and help others if you’re meeting goals in a job or at school.
Clark County and many partners are working to improve your prospects on all fronts, day in and day out.
A number of special events are scheduled and resources will be available during the month of April to help citizens interested in healthier lifestyles. These include:
Planning for a healthier Clark County
How we plan and build communities can affect our health. Learn more and share your experiences with the Public Health Advisory Council and the Clark County Board of Health at this community forum. The council will present recommendations for updating the Clark County Comprehensive Growth Management Plan with health promotion strategies. The council’s recommendations will later be submitted to the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners. Light refreshments will be available.
- When: April 10, 4 – 5:30 p.m.
- Where: Vancouver Community Library, Columbia Room, 901 C St.
- More information: (360) 397-8000 ext. 7281, email GrowingHealthier@clark.wa.gov, or visit http://www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/community/growing_healthy/index.html.
Latino Resource Fair
Have some fun and pick up information about jobs, education, health and social services, activities for children, food and more.
- When: April 15, 2 – 5 p.m.
- Where: St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 8701 NE 119th St.
- More information: Luz Gonzalez, (360) 241-7188
Using health research to improve quality of life
Hear how health research relates to public policy issues; see clips from Designing Healthy Communities, a new public television series on health and the built environment. Planner Brendon Haggerty will discusses how policies that promote health support other public goals, such as livability, economic development and environmental protection.
- When: April 24, noon – 1 p.m. and April 26, noon – 1 p.m.
- Where: April 24 at the Center For Community Health, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Conference Room C210A; April 26 at the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Sixth-Floor Hearing Room
- More information: (360) 397-8000 ext. 7281
Public Health Community Award presentation
The Clark County Board of Health will present the 2012 Public Health Community Award to honor an individual or organization for addressing public health challenges and making significant contributions to promote and protect public health.
- When: April 25, 8:30 a.m.
- Where: Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., Sixth-Floor Hearing Room
- More information: Julie Grimm, (360) 397-8477; julie.grimm@clark.wa.gov
Vancouver Farmers Market
Eating locally grown foods is good for your health, the environment and local businesses. The Vancouver Farmers market, now open, is a great source of fresh, local food.
- When: Saturdays 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. through October
- Where: Sixth and Esther, next to Esther Short Park
- More information: http://vancouverfarmersmarket.com/index.php; for other markets’ opening dates, see http://www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/living/eating.html.
The Southwest Washington Special Education Conference and Resource Fair
Explore resources for families with special needs, regardless of disability, for infants, children and young adults up to age 21. Parents, grandparents, guardians, children, young adults and professional service providers are welcome.
- When: April 28, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Where: Prairie High School, 11500 NE 117th Ave.
- More information: http://www.spedconference.org/1.html
National Minority Health Month
To recognize National Minority Health Month and raise awareness of the current obesity epidemic, the Vancouver NAACP and community partners are organizing a Flash Mob to the tune of "Move your body," by Beyonce. Join the fun!
- When: April 28, 2 p.m.
- Where: To be determined
- More information: NAACPVancouver@gmail.com
Prescription discount drug program
April is County Health Month, a good time to remind residents about the county’s free prescription discount drug program, which offers average savings of 25 percent off the retail price of commonly prescribed drugs. Prescription discount cards may be used by all county residents for prescriptions not covered by insurance.
- More information: Call toll free 1-877-321-2652 or visit https://naco.advancerx.com
The Clark County Commissioners issued a proclamation designating April as County Health Month in a meeting as the local Board of Health on March 28. They are encouraging all county officials, employees, schools and residents to support initiatives that improve community health and to participate in activities that promote health and safety.
