Benton-Franklin Health District

Funding Opportunity Now Open! Benton-Franklin Health District is investing $250,000 in community-led efforts to reduce violence and support youth across our region. We’re looking for local organizations to help implement strategies like mentorship, street outreach, after-school programs, and family support services. 🗓 Apply by July 10, 2026 📧 Submit proposals to cvi@bfhd.wa.gov Be part of building a safer, healthier community. 👉 Read the full details and apply: https://lnkd.in/gETyUEEm

Hantavirus Update for Our Communities: From BFHD Health Officer Dr. Steven Krager, MD, MPH "Hantavirus is making the news lately, and I want to provide a brief update focusing on what you need to know. For background, hantavirus is a type of virus that is carried by rodents. We do occasionally see cases of hantavirus in the United States including in Washington state. The strain we typically encounter here has always been associated with rodents, often deer mice, where people can become infected by exposure to their urine or droppings. The hantavirus strain making headlines, which infected people on a cruise ship, is actually a different strain. What makes this strain more concerning is that it can transmit from person to person, unlike the hantavirus cases we typically see in the United States. Regardless of the strain, hantavirus is a dangerous virus with a high mortality rate, making it a public health concern. Public health workers across the world are working hard to track and contain any further spread. While this outbreak of hantavirus is certainly concerning, I agree with other public health authorities that the concern for the general public should be low. The research we have about this strain currently suggests that people can only infect others while they have symptoms (typically a fever and flu-like symptoms) and that the window to infect people is relatively short. This makes controlling spread much easier, especially compared to viruses that can spread without symptoms or with very mild symptoms. At this time I do not have any specific changes for people to make, only to take the same precautions to avoid hantavirus in general. That means keeping rodents out of homes and taking proper precautions when cleaning areas that may have had rodents. I also do not recommend any changes to travel plans at this time. Health authorities are currently monitoring a small number of people who shared flights with symptomatic passengers; no flight-related transmission has been confirmed, but as a precaution, a well-fitted N95 mask can reduce risk from close-range respiratory exposure during travel. And frequent hand washing/sanitizing is always recommended. We will continue to monitor this outbreak and keep the public updated if any recommendations change.

1) Mental health services 🧠 and 2) affordable healthcare. 🩺 In a survey, those were the top two things that Tri-Citians said were most important in improving the health of our community. Mark Brault, Grace Clinic Board President, helped roll out the 2026-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan for Benton and Franklin Counties. In the photo, he’s here with Lindsay Palmer, Dental Hygienist with the Benton-Franklin Health District. Community groups are working on solutions. More info: https://lnkd.in/gHjxj882

🎉 Congratulations to Erin Hockaday, BFHD’s Director of Surveillance and Investigation! 🎉 Last night, Erin was honored with a Tri-Cities People of Influence Award by the Tri-City Area Journal of Business, recognizing leaders who are shaping the future of our region. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Erin’s dedication, vision, and impact on public health. Her leadership continues to strengthen our communities—one initiative, one partnership, and one innovation at a time. 🌟 Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business #PeopleOfInfluence #TriCities #PublicHealth #Leadership #BFHD

🌟Advocating for Public Health in Olympia!🌟 Last week, members of our Benton‑Franklin Health District team traveled to the Washington State Capitol to share local public health priorities and highlight the needs of our communities. A special thank you to our local legislators for taking the time to meet with us: 📸Photo 1: Representative Stephanie Barnard 📸Photo 2: Representative April Connors We appreciate the opportunity to discuss how strong public health systems support healthier, safer communities across Benton and Franklin counties. 🏛️ Stephanie Barnard April Connors

Performance Management Manager Pernell Hodges explains how FPHS funding helps BFHD respond to local health needs by giving us the means to talk directly with the community. FPHS is a set of basic public health services that every community needs—like tracking diseases and preparing for emergencies. With this support, BFHD can better protect and support everyone in Benton and Franklin counties. #BFHD #FPHS #BentonCountyWA #FranklinCountyWA #TriCitiesWA #CHA #CommunityHealth

Healthy Living Manager Kelly Harnish, MPH, MCHES explains how FPHS funding assists BFHD in helping our community with chronic disease and injury and violence prevention. FPHS is a set of basic public health services that every community needs—like tracking diseases and preparing for emergencies. With this support, BFHD can better protect and support everyone in Benton and Franklin counties. Stay tuned to learn from more staff at BFHD on how they are supporting our community through their work! #BFHD #PublicHealth #PublicHealthEducation #HealthyLiving

Environmental Health Specialist James Coleman explains how Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) funding helps BFHD respond to issues like toxic algae in the Columbia River. FPHS is a set of basic public health services that every community needs—like tracking diseases and preparing for emergencies. With this support, BFHD can better protect and support everyone in Benton and Franklin counties. Stay tuned for my videos of staff highlighting the work they do to support our community! #BFHD #FPHS #PublicHealth #PublicHealthMatters #PublicHealthEducation #ToxicAlgae #ColumbiaRiver

BFHD staff are at our state capitol in Olympia for Legislative Day! 🏛️ We’re highlighting the importance of public health resources, services, and support for Benton and Franklin Counties. We’re proud to represent our community and champion a healthier future for all. 💙   Stay tuned for more! #washingtonstatelegislature #washingtonstate #bentoncountywa #franklincountywa #bfhd #publichealth #olympiawa

🎙️ Shoutout to Yajaira Lemus! Yajaira Lemus, Public Health Educator with Benton-Franklin Health District and contractor for the Washington State Department of Health, appeared on the latest episode of the Safe Yakima Prevention Connection Podcast. In this insightful conversation, Yajaira dives into: ✅ What adults are already doing well in youth substance-use prevention ✅Misconceptions about vaping and high-potency cannabis ✅Why evolving products challenge prevention efforts 🎧 She also shares practical tips for talking with teens, modeling healthy behaviors, and staying informed about emerging trends—plus real stories from her work with youth. 👉 Tune in for a concise, impactful discussion that empowers families, schools, and communities to help young people make healthy choices. [https://lnkd.in/guuvCDqv] #PreventionMatters #SafeYakima #YouthHealth #CommunityImpact