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Public Health highlights hazardous-waste education, "Healthy Homes" kits and childcare trainings
Summary
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services summarized hazardous-waste education and the Healthy Home & Yard program, including resumption of Beyond Bleach childcare trainings and distribution of safer-cleaning kits to workshop participants and partner agencies.
Jennifer Johnson, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services environmental health specialist, briefed the committee on hazardous-waste education and Healthy Home & Yard outreach on March 6.
The update underscores the county's role in household hazardous-waste education and targeted outreach to vulnerable populations, including child-care providers and people transitioning from homelessness.
"We are part of implementation for the household and public education part of the Thurston County Hazardous Waste Management Plan," Jennifer Johnson said, describing the department's goals of protecting drinking water and surface water by educating residents on safe use, storage and disposal of common household hazardous materials.
Johnson said the Beyond Bleach childcare training has resumed this year; the course trains child-care staff on safe disinfection and can include continuing-education credits when tied to the Department of Children, Youth and Families requirements. Staff reported one training already completed this year and another scheduled, and identified Jessica Goulet as leading that program.
Public Health staff also described the Healthy Home & Yard workshops and distribution activities: last year the division hosted 23 workshops, tabling at 12 events and reached more than 1,000 people through presentations and tabling. The department said it distributed more than 200 safer-cleaning kits through workshops and partner agencies such as Family Support Center and Community Youth Services to reach lower-income and transitional populations.
Staff said point-of-purchase outreach racks (information displays at retail locations that sell pesticides) remain active across the county, and the department's newsletter now includes a waste-reduction column developed with solid-waste staff. Johnson said the program prioritizes outreach to vulnerable populations and works closely with solid-waste educators and community partners.
Ending note: Public Health staff encouraged committee members to request printed materials or workshops for local events and noted the department is updating its web resources and workshop menu.
