REGION 3 BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COMMUNITY CRISIS CENTER UPDATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        

Southwest District Health, in partnership with Lifeways Inc., is working on opening a crisis center which has been named the Western Idaho Community Crisis Center. The crisis center will serve adults in need of mental health and substance use disorder crisis services. The center will provide outpatient acute stabilization and connect people in need with community resources. Services will be provided for a maximum stay of 23hours/ 59 minutes and will be open 24/7 365 days a year. The center is located at 524 Cleveland Blvd., Suite 160, Caldwell, ID 83605. The crisis center is a key part of community integration which will allow those in crisis and with limited or no access to outpatient services an alternative to hospitalization and jail. Lifeways staff will assess each individual’s needs to ensure the crisis center is the best place for care for them. The center will be open in April 2019 and was made possible by the generous support and engagement of community members across the region.

Southwest District Health serves Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette and Washington Counties. They focus on preventing premature death and disability, protecting the population from emerging health threats, and promoting behaviors that contribute to healthier and longer lives. Lifeways is the largest behavioral health care provider in the region with over 300 employees. Lifeways is licensed to serve in Idaho and is certified to provide mental health and addiction services by the States of Oregon and Idaho.

The center is currently in need of donations to cover cost for items needed to become operational. For more information, please reach out to Cristina Froude at Cristina.Froude@phd3.idaho.gov or by calling (208) 455-5373.

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CYANOBACTERIA (BLUE-GREEN ALGAE) ADVISORY LIFTED FOR BROWNLEE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        

CYANOBACTERIA (BLUE-GREEN ALGAE) ADVISORY LIFTED FOR BROWNLEE

Southwest District Health, in conjunction with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), has lifted the Cyanobacteria Health Advisory for Brownlee Reservoir. The advisory was issued in July 2018.

DEQ officials monitor cyanobacteria and associated toxins where harmful algal blooms (HABs) are present and have confirmed that cyanobacteria levels in the Brownlee Reservoir have returned to normal and toxin levels are below the safety threshold.

Other blooms may exist on this waterbody that have not been reported to DEQ or the health district. Water users should always exercise caution around water bodies with visible slime or surface scum or a foul odor. High concentrations of toxin-producing cyanobacteria may cause illness to both humans and animals. Report any concerns to DEQ at 208.373.0550.

For more information about harmful algal blooms, visit DEQ’s website at http://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/blue-green-algae/.

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Chase Cusack, DEQ                         208.373.0490              Chase.Cusack@deq.idaho.gov

Katrina Williams, SWDH                    208.455.5317              Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov

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CYANOBACTERIA ADVISORY LIFTED FOR COTTONWOOD PARK AND CAMPGROUND AT C.J. STRIKE RESERVOIR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southwest District Health (SWDH), in conjunction with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), has lifted the Health Advisory for Cottonwood Park and Campground at C.J. Strike Reservoir. DEQ officials monitored cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, and associated toxins where harmful algal blooms (HABs) were present and have confirmed that blue-green algae levels in the reservoir have returned to normal and toxin levels are below the safety threshold.

Other blooms may exist on this waterbody that have not been reported to DEQ or the health district. Water users should always exercise caution around water bodies with visible slime or surface scum or a foul odor. High concentrations of toxin-producing cyanobacteria may cause illness to both humans and animals. Report any concerns to DEQ at 208.373.0550

For more information about harmful algal blooms, visit DEQ’s website at http://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/blue-green-algae/.

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Chase Cusack, DEQ                         208.373.0490              Chase.Cusack@deq.idaho.gov

Katrina Williams, SWDH           208.455.5317               Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov

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CYANOBACTERIA ADVISORY LIFTED FOR LAKE LOWELL

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        

CYANOBACTERIA ADVISORY LIFTED FOR LAKE LOWELL

Southwest District Health (SWDH), in conjunction with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), has lifted the Health Advisory for Lake Lowell. DEQ officials monitored cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, and associated toxins where harmful algal blooms (HABs) were present and have confirmed that blue-green algae levels in Lake Lowell have returned to normal and toxin levels are below the safety threshold.

Other blooms may exist on this waterbody that have not been reported to DEQ or the health district. Water users should always exercise caution around water bodies with visible slime or surface scum or a foul odor. High concentrations of toxin-producing cyanobacteria may cause illness to both humans and animals. Report any concerns to DEQ at 208.373.0550

For more information about harmful algal blooms, visit DEQ’s website at http://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/blue-green-algae/.

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Chase Cusack, DEQ                         208.373.0490              Chase.Cusack@deq.idaho.gov

Katrina Williams, SWDH                  208.455.5317               Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov

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CLOSURE RECOMMENDED FOR LAKE LOWELL LOWER DAM RECREATION AREA

Media Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has recommended closure of the Lake Lowell Lower Dam Recreation Area beach for all recreational water use due to elevated E. coli bacteria levels.

Please stay out of the water until further notice. Please keep pets out of the water. Signs will be posted at beaches to notify visitors about the closure.

Please refer to the map for current recreation water quality health advisories at: https://go.usa.gov/xRnSj

For more information on waterborne illnesses, refer to the following link:

https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Health/DiseasesConditions/WaterborneIllness/tabid/113/Default.aspx

  1. coli infection can, in some rare cases, be fatal. Symptoms include sudden, severe watery diarrhea that may change to bloody stools, abdominal cramping, gas, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and fever.

DEQ will conduct additional monitoring to determine the extent of the E. coli contamination and to identify the source of the bacteria.

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Chase Cusack, DEQ
Chase.Cusack@deq.idaho.gov
208.373-0490

Katrina Williams, SWDH
Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov
208.455.5317 (office)
208.899.1268 (cell)

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PERTUSSIS CASES CONTINUE TO RISE INTO THE START OF THE SCHOOL SEASON

Media Advisory

Southwest District Health has confirmed 122 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) within its six county region since the beginning of the year. This number is significantly higher than the previous year.  Anyone with a persistent cough is encouraged to visit a medical provider and request testing. Household members of patients who test positive for pertussis may also receive treatment to avoid developing the disease.

Pertussis is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious illness in infants, children, and adults. It begins with cold-like symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, a non-productive cough, and a low-grade fever, but symptoms can vary. Typically, after 1-2 weeks, the cough becomes more severe, especially at night, and cough medicines usually do not help the cough. On occasion a child may make a crowing sound (the whoop) when she or he draws a breath after severe coughing. Teens and adults usually have milder illness. If your baby is having trouble breathing take the baby to the emergency department or doctor right away.

 

Infected persons are contagious from the time cold symptoms begin to three weeks after cough starts. Infected persons are no longer contagious after they have completed a five-day treatment with an appropriate antibiotic.

“People with pertussis usually spread the disease by coughing or sneezing while in close proximity with others,” said Jami Delmore, Environmental Health Supervisor for Southwest District Health. “The best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated. Most fully-immunized children are at a lower risk for contracting pertussis. Infants under one year are not old enough to be fully-vaccinated against pertussis and are most likely to experience severe illness if they develop the disease,” she said.

Antibiotics can make the disease milder in those infected, if treated promptly, and will prevent further transmission of the illness to others. Individuals exposed to pertussis should also be given antibiotics to prevent the disease, even if they have been vaccinated.

Adults and adolescents are commonly the source of infection for younger children and infants.  Young infants should be kept away from people with cough illnesses. Likewise, people with cough illnesses should always stay away from young infants, since pertussis can cause more severe, even life-threatening, complications in infants.

Who Needs Pertussis Vaccines?

Pertussis vaccines (DTaP for infants/children and Tdap for adolescents/adults) are available at most healthcare providers and are covered by most insurance providers.

  • Kids under seven should get a series of five DTaP shots.
  • Pre-teens and teens should get a pertussis (pertussis) booster called Tdap.
  • All adults are recommended to get Tdap, especially if they are in contact with infants. (parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nannies, caregivers, childcare staff, etc.)
  • All pregnant women should get the Tdap shot during each pregnancy, during the third trimester, even if you’ve gotten it before.

“The pertussis immunizations you received as a child do not provide lifetime protection. Everyone should have at least one dose of Tdap,” Delmore warned. “Be proactive and check with your doctor to make sure your family is up-to-date on their shots,” she said.

Adults and adolescents are commonly the source of infection for younger children and infants.  Young infants should be kept away from people with cough illnesses. Likewise, people with cough illnesses should always stay away from young infants, since pertussis can cause more severe, even life-threatening, complications in infants.

Delmore advises parents to remind your children to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, dispose of used tissues properly, and wash their hands often. Practicing good respiratory hygiene is a key to reducing the spread of any respiratory illness.

Tdap shots are available at SWDH. To schedule an appointment at SWDH call (208) 455-5345.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Katrina Williams
(208) 455-5317 or (208) 899-1268
Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov

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LAB CONFIRMS ELEVATED E. COLI LEVELS IN LAKE LOWELL

Media Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has lab test confirmation for elevated E. coli levels exceeding State Water Quality Standards in Lake Lowell. The water sample was taken from the Lower Dam Recreation Area near Lake Lowell Picnic Park. E. coli bacteria is a type of fecal coliform bacteria commonly found in the intestines and feces of animals and humans.  If consumed, water containing animal or human feces can be harmful to humans and animals.

  1. coli infection can, in some rare cases, be fatal. Symptoms include sudden, severe watery diarrhea that may change to bloody stools, abdominal cramping, gas, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and fever.

Elevated E. coli levels can make humans and pets sick. As a reminder, there are some important safety and general use tips to remember if you do plan to recreate at Lake Lowell:

  • Don’t ingest the water
  • Wash your hands after any contact with the water
  • If you decide to enter the water, shower after swimming or wading
  • Pick up after your dog
  • Keep your pets out of the water
  • Don’t feed geese or ducks

DEQ will conduct additional monitoring to determine the extent of the E. coli contamination and to identify the source of the bacteria.

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Chase Cusack, DEQ
Chase.Cusack@deq.idaho.gov
208.373-0490

Katrina Williams, SWDH
Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov
208.455.5317 (office)
208.899.1268 (cell)

 

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