Podcasts about washington state department

Dr. Susan Kansagra, Chief Medical Officer for ASTHO, discusses the recent Make America Healthy Again report, and the work done by state and territorial health departments that intersects with the report's themes; Ryan Daly, Deputy Director of Finance and Operations for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health, explains how the department's new standardized process for subrecipient monitoring has helped improve operations; ASTHO's framework for addressing ethical considerations in public health wastewater surveillance was recently published in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice Direct; a new ASTHO blog article describes the public health insights that can come from interjurisdictional immunization information systems; and ASTHO welcomes new member Dennis Worsham, Secretary of Health for the Washington State Department of Health.  ASTHO Blog: Levers for Preventing Chronic Disease That Intersect with Key MAHA Report Themes ASTHO Blog: Nebraska Paves the Way for Improved Grant Subrecipient Monitoring JPHMP Direct: Demystifying Applied Public Health Ethics: New Framework Highlights Ethical Considerations in Wastewater Surveillance and Tools for Deliberating Them ASTHO Blog: Immunization Information Systems: One Foundational Data Source, Endless Health Insights Dennis Worsham Bio  

Finance doesn't have to be scary. In this episode of VRTAC-QM's Manager Minute, Kat Martin, Finance Director at the Oregon Commission for the Blind, joins Carol Pankow to break down the complexities of government finance in vocational rehabilitation. Kat shares her journey from the private sector into VR, the lessons she's learned managing federal and state dollars, and the difference between budget authority and actual revenue (spoiler: it's not as simple as it sounds). From making reports accessible for blind colleagues to explaining why finance people should bepartners—not compliance enforcers—Kat offers practical advice, thoughtful insights, and a healthy dose of humor. Whether you're new to VR, leading a program, or just finance-curious, this episode delivers the wisdom you didn't know you needed—plus a little reality check on what it takes to manage complex funding with heart and clarity.   Listen Here   Full Transcript:   {Music}   Kat: It took me a bit to wrap my head around was the difference between budget and revenue. I like the way my executive director describes it to other directors. You have to be paying attention to what's going on with your budget, not because that's the amount of money you have to spend, particularly with federal funding. That is what you have authority to spend. That doesn't mean you have that revenue to spend. If somebody has helped you out, pay it forward, help the next new person out that got their eyes crossed and looking overwhelmed when they're trying to figure out what in the world is re allotment, let alone carryover and maintenance of effort.   Carol: Oh my gosh.   Intro Voice: Manager Minute brought to you by the VRTAC for Quality Management, Conversations powered by VR, one manager at a time, one minute at a time. Here is your host Carol Pankow.   Carol: Well, welcome to the manager minute. Joining me in the studio today is Kat Martin, finance director at the Oregon Commission for the Blind. So, Kat, how are things going in Oregon?   Kat: They're going well. We're getting started on a lovely summer and a new biennium and trying to close out the old ones. So, you know, busy is always in the finance department.   Carol: Yeah, all the things. Nothing like getting the finance director like turnover of a state year and all that. I know you got a lot of things going on. So as the QM grant is winding down, I thought it would be great to hear from a respected VR finance director, someone who's walk the walk. Kat has been a standout voice in her fiscal management community of practice, sharing advice that's grounded, real, and incredibly helpful. So, Kat, let's dig in. So, Kat, can you tell our listeners a bit about your career journey and how did you land in your current role?   Kat: Sure. Thanks, Carol. I worked in the private sector for the first decade or so of my life and realized after about a decade of that that I really needed work that spoke to my heart. And coming from a family of educators, I was a little too late to go back to school and get my teaching credentials at that point in time. But I decided to pursue mission focused organizations that were helping others. So I worked for about six years for a law firm that represented the disabled and injured individuals before the Social Security Administration and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. And then I went into public education for about 15 years. About five years ago, I left public education and came to work for the Oregon Commission for the blind. And it was my first role in the world of vocational rehabilitation. So it was a new experience for me. I love a good challenge and it's been that for five years.   Carol: That sounds amazing. I always love to hear how people kind of make their long and winding road into VR, because none of us ever usually get here very directly. So I know when you and I chatted before, you have just some great perspective on any role you take. How do you go about building that solid foundation when you start a new role?   Kat:, You know, I came up through the accounting departments, specifically accounts receivable. So I was working with invoicing and collecting bills, and I experienced a lot of success in those jobs, so much so that I was moved into first supervisory and then management positions and eventually the C-suite role. And when I moved into my first CFO position, I worked with an amazing campus president who talked with me about the fact that my focus up to that point in time as the director of accounting for the organization and my prior professional experience, had been very much compliance focused. And that as her new director of finance, she needed me to be more of a fiscal partner to not only herself, but my peers on the leadership team. So, you know, that took me a little bit to figure out, because when you've been doing it for decades, it's easy to be a compliance goon. It's a little more difficult to figure out what being a finance partner looks like. I recognized that particularly when I was starting a new role like the one I did in VR five years ago. It was really important for me to understand who I needed to form relationships with, what the systems were that I was going to be utilizing to complete my work and to manage those that were completing the day in and day out of the accounting work that we were doing. And then also what were the policies, procedures and standards? So when I start a new job, I like lay out my first 100 days and I create myself a little Venn diagram that is all about those three things where at the intersection of that right in the middle, that's the work that I'm going to be doing for the organization planning, organizing, directing and monitoring their finances and the fiscal health of the organization.   Carol: I love that you have that people, systems and processes. I mean, I think that sweet spot in the middle where all of that intersects is really wonderful. You've talked to me before about this whole compliance goon fiscal partner, and I do like that approach. Can you talk a little more about what that really means to you and kind of how that's played out?   Kat: Yeah, it's really about people and about relationships in a vocational rehabilitation agency. We are helper humans and even fiscal employees, accountants, your travel coordinator, your payroll specialist. They need to be helper humans as well, because it's easy to get all wrapped up in the way we have to transact these certain things or the deadlines that the state lays down. If it's an enterprise wide system that you're using and sometimes lose sight of the fact that the people we are serving are actually the employees who are providing the direct service to the blind Oregonians that we serve at the Oregon Commission for the blind. So I have worked very hard to develop that in myself. And the way I've accomplished that is beginning first with the people I'm going to be serving and whether that's my boss, my peers, my employees, that to report directly to me, my employees that report indirectly to me or those other individuals in the larger organization, like the state's chief financial officer and the state's legislative fiscal office, and maybe the procurement office and the Payroll Services Office to make sure that I know what our place is, but also how we can provide the best possible services within that matrix that we operate in to those eventual end users that we're there to serve so that they don't ever have to worry about, am I going to get paid on time? Is my computer going to be working? Those kind of things I tell my staff when we're doing our jobs exceptionally well, nobody knows what we're doing. And then that allows them to focus on the work that they're doing with our clients.   Carol: How long do you think it takes, really, to get settled, especially coming into VR for a finance person? How long do you feel like you know what, I got this, I feel proficient what I'm doing because I think people have this idea that can come in. I was an accountant here or a CPA, or I've done something else. But you come into this program. How long do you feel it takes you to really get a handle on what's going on.   Kat: A full fiscal cycle in the state of Oregon, we operate on a biennium, so that's a full 24 months. I had been with the agency for two years before. I really felt like, oh, now I'm repeating things and there's a lot of repetition in a finance role, regardless of what role it is, there's a lot of repetition. But what makes it complicated in the VR world, in my state, for instance, is we have state fiscal years that end on June 30th, and then you have your federal fiscal year that ends on September 30th. So right there, those two things are out of sync. And then the VR awards in particular, are the most complicated revenue stream I've ever worked with. Braid those in with the general fund that you have to be on top of, which is truly available to you, and you can sometimes lobby for more. But there's a lot of politics and personalities that you have to deal with when you're trying to obtain more general fund for your agency, and then the limited amount of other funding. So I have been working as a finance director since 2009, and I would have to say that these last five years, it has been the most complicated fiscal management for an organization that I've ever touched upon in my career up to this point in time, because of those complexities between the state and the feds in fiscal years that don't align. And we're on a biennium where, you know, the federal awards are one year, and maybe you can get carryover if you do all the things you got to do to meet the requirements around March to get there.   Carol: And you're confirming what the feds say, because David Steele, who's the unit chief for the fiscal unit at RSA, he often says this is the most federally complex grant. And I remember hearing him a long time ago thinking, is it really? But yeah, it really it really is. Proof is in the pudding when you're actually doing that work. So given all of that complexity, how do you implement like strategies or things that you do to help your leadership, like literally be able to interpret and understand because it is like talking to different languages. And how do you get your whole executive team kind of on board with what's happening because you have these realizations and insights. But that isn't always apparent in the VR world, because a lot of people are not they're not math people. They're people people. They're social services people. They don't know about reading a spreadsheet. You just show them these numbers, and their eyes kind of glaze over and they hear you talking, but they don't know what you're saying.   Kat: Yeah. I think the first thing I try to do is keep it short and simple. And that's not to say that these individuals are not intelligent. They are highly intelligent, and they have skills and expertise that I'm incredibly impressed by. But I have different skills and expertise. And if I'm going to provide the information to them that allows them to make informed decisions about not only what we're doing in the present, but for the duration of whatever the fiscal period is that we're in and for the long term. Then I need to present the information in such a way that it's digestible. Now I work for a blind agency, so that means it needs to be accessible. I see a lot of spreadsheets that folks like myself love to create. You know, it's fun to get in there and do the color coding and the formatting and have multiple tabs that support your summary. Conclusions and charts are then the next best thing in the world, right? You can spend a lot of time on that. And yet my director of rehabilitation services can't see any of it, can't read any of it. So what I need to create for her and for the other 20% of the employees at my agency that is usable and digestible is very straightforward spreadsheets that are readable by the assistive technology they use in order to do their jobs. The other thing that I do to try and help the leadership team, and my executive director in particular is I insist upon regular report outs. It's really easy to be just like, yeah, yeah, Kats got it. Budget to actuals are going to be fine. She knows we don't want to leave any general fund on the table at the end of the biennium. She'll let us know how we're doing with match, but she'll take care of all of it. And what I let them know is I report on the money, but I don't decide how it's spent. I know what's in the purse, but the executive director is holding the purse strings and you all are influencing that spend. So by insisting upon regular report outs, I review budget to actual data summary grant reporting, cash reporting on at least a weekly basis. Right now I'm reviewing that more like 2 to 3 times a week, because it's the end of the biennium and startup of a new one, but the management team gets finalized reporting once a month that is based on the accounting close. And not only do we distribute that to them with the highlights, we want to pinpoint in written format, but then I also present on that every month at the leadership team meeting, when we're reviewing other results for the month and other measures that matter to us.   Carol: I think that's really super good advice for our listeners. I've seen it all across the country. I mean, I've seen where sometimes fiscal people, they are calling all the shots. They aren't that partner. They're like, hey, I'm the one that knows you all can't do math. I'm deciding. I'm doing. People are signing for the director. You know, they're sending stuff in. Directors get it? Zero clue. And while that can be a way to operate. Boy, highly not advisable. Because at the end of the day, the director is the one holding the bag. You know, the buck stops with them. If something goes wrong, something happened. They're the one. And those are the ones that end up getting fired or whatever it may be. So I'm always on the new director end of things. Encouraging people to learn as much as they can. And it's just like learning anything. You take one step at a time, one item at a time, one cell on the spreadsheet to gain understanding. You're not going to be instantly an accountant, but you can get to a level understanding where you hear what's happening. So I appreciate that you've had that experience, because I think you always bring so much to any conversation. Having worked in a blind agency, when you're thinking about how am I going to convey information in a way people can read it for one with assistive technology, not make it so fancy that you kind of lose sight really, of what is trying to be conveyed. So I think you really have great advice there and that you're the partner. I mean, you're advising and then the director's deciding. I think that's a really lovely partnership. What have been your biggest surprises and lessons learned in this role?   Kat: Well, first and foremost, it is more complicated than budgets, significantly larger than what I'm dealing with now because of the interplay of federal and state. Some of the surprises that came to me early on were around the timelines and how important it is to create a calendar of key events that not only takes everything going on with your state into consideration, but all those federal timelines, particularly the federal reporting timelines. We now, after five years, talk about the months between October 1st and the end of January as federal reporting season, because between the support we provide to program with some of their program reports that have fiscal elements in them, and then all of the federal financial reports that have to be submitted during that period of time. There's 18 different reports that my grant accountant and I prepare, review, discuss, and then, of course, go over with the program directors before they are ever submitted to our federal funding partners.   Carol: I'm a huge fan of the calendar. I just have to say, I literally we get calls. I had one of the finance directors from one state. He will remain unnamed, but he calls me on April 30th and he's like, please don't tell me a report is due today, and I'm like, uh, yeah, this is gonna be a really bad day. He said, I gotta go, and he, like, hangs up the phone. I'm like, calendar this stuff. You need the calendar. Oh my gosh. Drives me crazy.   Kat: It's important. And I mean, one of the surprises that came to me is I started with the commission in August of 2020, and a couple of days after I arrived, my senior accountant and we have a small shop. At that time I only had one accountant and two accounting technicians. My senior accountant went out on a family leave of absence about two weeks early. So here I was, no VR experience trying to figure out what the heck I'm doing. I don't even have access to most of the systems. And as it turns out, as the agency security officer, I give everybody else access. But nobody knew how to give me access. So that was an interesting start. And when she came back from her leave, she said to me, so how did that SF 425 report submission going? I'm like, what? SF 425 report submission. So I missed I started my career with the Commission for the blind by missing a federal Financial Report submission.   Carol: Oh my gosh.   Kat: I'm still here. So I guess it wasn't the end of the world that we were late with one report.   Carol: How do you find it so different between like government accounting compared to the other accounting work you've done? I always hear from people that go, government accounting is like nothing else I've ever been exposed to.   Kat: Yeah, it is very different in that having worked in the private sector and the for profit sector for a number of decades, obviously you're looking for efficiencies and effective ways of doing business that drive your bottom line. The profit imperative is just that don't be fooled by what the for profit organizations say they're really about. Making money is what it's all about in the end. But in the public sector and definitely for the government, one of the things that it took me a bit to wrap my head around was the difference between budget and revenue, and I like the way my executive director describes it to other directors that you have to be paying attention to what's going on with your budget, not because that means that's the amount of money you have to spend is because, particularly with federal funding, that is what you have authority to spend. That doesn't mean you have that revenue to spend. So figuring out how to keep track of where am I at, actually, with my approved budget and my limitations on the federal fund and other fund that I operate with? And where am I actually at with cash available to me through my federal grants, was something else that was very new to me, because every place I'd been before budget was budget. You had that to spend, even in higher education, in the public sector. It was like I had that budget to work with for the entire fiscal cycle. Not true here. So you really have to be paying attention to that difference between budget and revenue. I started to say my executive director describes this to other directors. She tries to put it as think about budget as being the line of credit. If you had a credit card in your wallet. Think about it as the line of credit that you could spend up to, but your revenue is actually how much money you actually get paid. So if you have a $50,000 line of credit, but your income for the year is only going to be $25,000, you're going to have a problem when you spend up to that line of credit.   Carol: That is such an awesome point. We have seen lately. There's been some really interesting things with the budget Authority, and this has to do with kind of the reverse, where for whatever reason, you have a federal grant say you get $100 million. But the legislature has said we are only going to give you $90 million of budget authority. And that's cropped up more and more. And so people forget because you've got program income coming in and you've got other kind of sources of these revenues. And the legislature has set this limit. And so you're bumping on it, but your eye is over here. You're looking at well, yeah, but I've got I can match and I can draw these funds. But for whatever reason the legislature hasn't given you enough authority to actually maximize and utilize everything available to you. That is super concerning for folks. And the thing they weren't watching. Really?   Kat: Yeah. And we all know of a state recently that got into difficulties with that. The thing to keep in mind with that too. And we were in a spot where we had to go back to the legislature and ask for an increase in our spending authority, which is even more complicated than going to just the legislative body, because we have a governing board of commissioners. So first we have to go to the commissioners and get approval to take this before the legislature. And there is a lot of months of lead time in order to accomplish those things in the correct order. We needed to do it because we were fortunate enough to receive an additional sum in the Re allotment process last summer, so we were going to be okay with the amount of revenue we were expecting with the existing authority we had to spend. My concern, of course, was we don't got enough money to get through the end of the state fiscal year, let alone the federal fiscal year. So we went after re allotment. Then I didn't have enough authority on the federal side, so we had to get permission from our board of commissioners. Then of course, go through the legislative process to increase our federal fund limitation.   Carol: Well, and that's a whole other probably lesson learned is the whole legislative process and those cycles for the legislature and all of that. That is no small feat to understand. I'm sure your calendaring all of those dates as well.   Kat: I am. Our agency is small enough that not only am I the finance director, I'm also the budget coordinator, so it's helpful to me at the same time. My office is situated a couple hours away from the state capitol where the legislature meets. So for a hearing before Joint Ways and Means, for instance, that maybe is going to last five minutes. It's a four hour round trip, but I go down there for those meetings and I'm ready to answer any questions should they come.   Carol: That's excellent. That's excellent. Now, I know you have been, are particularly like vocal finance director and participate in things. You've done a great job with networking, and I understand you have a bit of a fan club at CSAVR. So what happened there? What's going on with that?   Kat: You know, one of our asks of all of our staff is that they be on camera when we're in virtual meetings, and it's in part because as a blind agency, we are trying to help our clients be prepared for virtual meeting environments as we're helping them launch into the working world. So we need to model those behaviors, right? So I just developed the habit of whenever I'm speaking, even in large group meetings, like the community of practice that you and your team run is that I'll not only come off of mute, but I'll come off of having my camera shuttered so that people can see me talking. I don't know why, but it's become muscle memory, right? Well, as a result of that, because I have a lot to share at times and I want to help others the way I was helped when I first started by fiscal directors with more experience that had been, you know, around the block a couple of times. I like to try and offer up my contact information as well, so people can feel free to reach out and get in touch with me. So when we were at CSAVR the last session, kind of surprisingly, my director and I were walking around and there was a couple of folks that, as we passed, were like, your Kat, right? Your Kat from Oregon blind. And I'm like, I am. And they said, you know how helpful it was. Some of the things that I had berbled out in one of the community of practice meetings and that it had really helped them wrap their head around the topic or the concept or whatever it may be, and also then have conversations with their leadership team and their executive directors, which I was kind of blushing, but I appreciated hearing that what I had done was helpful to others.   Carol: Oh, 100%. We hear it all the time. Whenever you come on and you give some advice and people be like, that really helped me. You know, we've had folks come back the next month and they're like, that really helped me. I was able to talk to our finance people and whatever, you know, any of the things. They were so excited. You've been an immense help. So let me spin that a little different way. Maybe you can help some of our directors. So fiscal folks are coming and going just as quickly as directors and executive leadership. What suggestions would you have for those VR leaders that are hiring fiscal staff? Because sometimes people think they're bringing in somebody and it's going to be the best thing since sliced bread. And then they're like, this didn't work out at all.   Kat: Yeah.   Carol: So I think folks, especially when you're talking to non-math people and such, they don't tend to know. What should they ask?   Kat: Yeah that's a tough one because on paper it is really hard to assess somebody's education and their stated experience in the positions that they've had before. If you're not a finance person and even understanding the difference between accounting and finance, I have to explain to people again that are really intelligent individuals. I mean, they have their master's degree in counseling and rehabilitation. And yet explaining the difference between accounting and finance is something that I do pretty regularly. My first suggestion to directors would be, if you are at all uncomfortable with accessing the written materials that you're receiving in terms of resumes and a well-written cover letter, find somebody in your state that knows a little bit about fiscal and accounting, or rely upon a recruiter. If you're using the state's chief human resource office to help you assess not only the minimum qualifications that you should be asking for when you're going to turn over millions of dollars to an individual who is going to be responsible for planning, organizing, directing, monitoring and reporting on that money, but also in your preferred qualifications. Look for things like foundational knowledge of appropriations and grants. I don't put that as a minimum qualification because I didn't come in with foundational knowledge around appropriations and grants, but I'm eminently teachable. So that's another thing to look for, is, is this somebody that's a lifelong learner? Do they like a good challenge? Are they good with change and do they know how to lead change? I've experienced this quite a bit in the state of Oregon. We have, since I've arrived, adopted two different enterprise wide solutions for payroll and time tracking, contract management and procurement that we didn't really have a choice to adopt these, but the implementations were intended for very large agencies, and we're an agency of 67 employees. So figuring out how to do these things that you're required to use by the larger organization, that you are a part of being the state at your agency to complete the work that you're going to do is somebody that really needs to be a quick learner that's adaptable, and that can lead change because technology is influencing all of our lives and with what's coming with AI, it's going to continue. And these are good things, but it can be tiring if you think you're going to get in the door as a finance director, and it's all going to be business as usual after you've completed that first fiscal cycle. The other things executive directors could look for are somebody that is curious. I think I mentioned flexibility, but adaptability is very important. When I was interviewing for my role, our VR director, who is fully blind, said to me, how are you going to present materials to me so that I am able to access them and read them? And for me, that was like a oh, how exciting, a new opportunity to take my knowledge and present it in such a way that somebody that I've never worked with before, having a visual impairment or blindness, can also use it. So what do I need to do differently to meet their needs? Not expecting them to accept whatever it is I'm pushing out their way and be just like here it is. If you don't get it, well, that's too bad. The last thing I would mention, and this is just because your fiscal director does have a great deal of access, it's important to remain diligent in managing that employee, just like you would any of your other direct reports. I am fully aware of the responsibility that I have for these millions of dollars that our taxpayers dollars, when all is said and done. So you know you don't want to be so trusting of the person that's managing your finances, that you set yourself up for any kind of a situation where maybe a good person does something not so good because they're in a very difficult spot. So that's where even if you don't know, finance, finding somebody in your own professional network that maybe knows a little bit more about this, that even if you ever have a slight inkling, you can say, hey, you know, my finance director told me this. Can we noodle that around just a little bit? Because I want to make sure that it's all okay. Based on your years of experience doing this and your relationship with your finance director.   Carol: That's good advice.   Kat: Yeah. I don't mean to be skeptical. I think it's just realistic to know that when you have access to and the ability to move around millions of dollars, you should be diligent in managing them just like you would anybody else.   Carol: And things have happened across the country in years past, and people have lost jobs and all kinds of things. So it is no joke. That is excellent advice. Do you have any final kind of words of wisdom for our listeners?   Kat: Don't be afraid to admit what you don't know. I mean, early on in my career, as I was being promoted into management positions, I was like, fake it till you make it right and we can all do that. But the further I've progressed and the older I've gotten, I've developed some of that crone wisdom that comes at this decade of your life, which is, boy, there's a whole lot I don't know. And there are people out there that have been doing this for a while. So who do I need to meet? Who do I need to form a relationship with? Who can be my buddy? And then how can I pay that forward? And that would be the other advice is if somebody has helped you out, pay it forward, help the next new person out that got their eyes crossed and looking overwhelmed when they're trying to figure out what in the world is re allotment, let alone carryover and maintenance of effort.   Carol: Oh my gosh. Well Kat, I really appreciate your wisdom and your honesty. You are so direct. I love it for our listeners. If you're a  leader or fiscal staff or share this episode with somebody new in the role, they do not have to do this alone. Thanks so much for joining me today, Kat.   Kat: Thank you Carol.   {Music} Outro Voice: Conversations powered by VR, one manager at a time, one minute at a time, brought to you by the VR TAC for Quality Management. Catch all of our podcast episodes by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening!

Today, Thursday, July 24 on Urban Forum Northwest on 1150:*Carmen Best former Seattle Police Chief, MSNBC Law Enforcement Contributor has been selected to be Queen Alcyone for Seafair 2025 for its 76th annual royalty reign. She knows that the Seafair is a positive, fun experience that transcends age, race and genders. She is thrilled to be a part of Seafair Royalty.*Attorney Jesse Wineberry, Sr., co founder, Washington Equity Now Alliance (WENA) an organization that advocated for months and years for Reparations for Washington State Descendants of Chattel Slavery. He comments on his observations of Wednesday's initial joint meeting of the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs and the Washington State Department of Commerce on the state's Reparations Study.*Clarence Gunn, president, Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion comments on the local political scene and what does his organization look for in candidates that they choose to support.*Rory O'Sullivan is a candidate for Seattle City Attorney, he is the Founding Partner, Washington Employment Benefits Advocates. He is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and the University of Washington. During the foreclosure crisis he worked with Northwest Justice Center helping homeowners facing foreclosure. For decades he has worked with Washington Public Campaigns to loosen the grip held by large corporate donors.*In 2016 Tess Thomas realized he lifelong dream of owning her own restaurant. She named the restaurant for her mother Emma, Emma's Bar B Q whose recipes and influence is prevalent. Three generations work at the restaurant. They did an outstanding job this past Sunday at the Joe Brazil Legacy Project at Be'er Sheva Park in Rainier Beach.Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, Thursday, July 24 on Urban Forum Northwest on 1150 AM KKNW/www.1150kknw.com, on Alexa and my Podcast 2:00-3:00 pm (PDT) my scheduled guest for the hour are: *Carmen Best former Seattle Police Chief, MSNBC Law Enforcement Contributor has been selected to be Queen Alcyone for Seafair 2025 for its 76th annual royalty reign. She knows that the Seafair is a positive, fun experience that transcends age, race and genders. She is thrilled to be a part of Seafair Royalty. *Attorney Jesse Wineberry, Sr., co founder, Washington Equity Now Alliance (WENA) an organization that advocated for months and years for Reparations for Washington State Descendants of Chattel Slavery. He comments on his observations of Wednesday's initial joint meeting of the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs and the Washington State Department of Commerce on the state's Reparations Study. *Clarence Gunn, president, Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion comments on the local political scene and what does his organization look for in candidates that they choose to support. *Rory O'Sullivan is a candidate for Seattle City Attorney, he is the Founding Partner, Washington Employment Benefits Advocates. He is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and the University of Washington. During the foreclosure crisis he worked with Northwest Justice Center helping homeowners facing foreclosure. For decades he has worked with Washington Public Campaigns to loosen the grip held by large corporate donors. *In 2016 Tess Thomas realized he lifelong dream of owning her own restaurant. She named the restaurant for her mother Emma, Emma's Bar B Q whose recipes and influence is prevalent. Three generations work at the restaurant. They did an outstanding job this past Sunday at the Joe Brazil Legacy Project at Be'er Sheva Park in Rainier Beach. Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Visit us at www.urbanforumnw.com

The Washington State Department of Licensing is under fire for sharing data with ICE. Guest: KIRO News Radio’s Chris Sullivan provides us with an I-5 update. // Big Local: A Lynnwood thief used stolen credit cards to buy subpar pizza. The old town dock in Tacoma is closed indefinitely due to a seal giving birth on it. // You Pick the Topic: A brawl broke out on an Air Asia flight because a group of women wouldn’t shut up.

Nate Weed, Chief of Resiliency and Health Security at the Washington State Department of Health, discusses a conversation at the 2025 Preparedness Summit between Directors of Public Health Preparedness, the CDC, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response facilitated by ASTHO; Carolyn Mullen, ASTHO Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Relations, tells us about all the public health happenings from Washington D.C.; on Wednesday, July 9 at 2 p.m. ET the second installment in ASTHO's Essentials of Leadership and Management series will happen; and ASTHO has a free e-learning opportunity to allow your organization to better utilize the STRETCH framework. 2025 Preparedness Summit Web Page ASTHO Web Page: Legislative Alerts ASTHO Legislative Alert: White House Releases Additional FY26 Budget Materials ASTHO Webinar: Ignite, Accelerate, and Activate: Series 2, Session 1: Navigating Difficult Conversations ASTHO Web Page: Tools to Operationalize Equity Utilizing the STRETCH Framework  

Tobias Stroman: Battling a Broken System | The Hopeaholics PodcastTobias Stroman, a man whose life has been shaped by profound loss, resilience, and an unyielding drive to find purpose through pain. Tobias bravely shares the heart-wrenching saga of his older brother, Elijah Stroman, wrongfully incarcerated at 18 for 23 years of a 37-year sentence, only to be released by the Washington State Department of Corrections with no guidance, housing, or counseling. Tragically, just seven months after tasting freedom, Elijah lost his life to a fentanyl-laced batch of cocaine in a hotel room, days before his 42nd birthday. Tobias recounts the family's devastation during the trial, his mother's nightly tears, and their relentless fight—fueled by attorneys and a private investigator—to prove Elijah's innocence. As a young teen, Tobias grew up fast, taking jobs and entering real estate and life insurance to fund costly legal battles, all to bring his brother home. He opens up about his own descent into addiction—alcohol, cocaine, and ecstasy—trying to numb the pain of Elijah's absence, losing a job, marriage, and home along the way. A pivotal moment came driving from Arizona to California at 2 a.m., when a misdownloaded sermon and a minivan with a cross led Tobias to cry out for God's help, launching his journey into AA and sobriety. Despite a relapse after Elijah's viewing, Tobias called his sponsor, recommitted, and now channels his grief into a powerful vision: raising fentanyl awareness, opening a detox facility and sober living home, and advocating for those released from prison to navigate a world of challenges Elijah never mastered.#TheHopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover  #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #RecoveryIsPossible #Hope #wedorecover Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record', exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholicsBuy Merch: https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.comVisit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.comIf you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction. Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:https://www.infinitigroupllc.com Timestamps:00:03:06 - Brother's Wrongful Incarceration and Release00:04:15 - Tragic Loss to Fentanyl00:05:21 - Impact of Wrongful Conviction00:08:29 - Challenges of Reentry00:12:20 - Family Devastation During Trial00:13:57 - Relief at Elijah's Release00:17:02 - Fighting for Elijah's Freedom00:18:18 - Personal Relapse After Loss00:19:22 - Growing Up Fast00:22:06 - Spiritual Awakening on the Road00:24:41 - Entering AA00:26:50 - Relapses and Losses00:28:49 - Renewed Commitment to Sobriety00:43:45 - Vision for Helping Others00:49:18 - Rebuilding After Tragedy

Today, Thursday, May 22nd on Urban Forum Northwest:Anthony Long, Executive Associate & Board Relations Manager, Seattle's Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) Veltry Johnson and Vivian Phillips worked with the late Lee Carter at KYAC radio decades ago. They comment about the late newscaster.Former Washington State Representative Attorney Jesse Wineberry Sr., Co Founder, Washington Equity Now Alliance (WENA) comments on Governor Bob Ferguson signing legislation funding the Washington State Reparations Study. Gauri Gupta is leading Washington State Department of Health's statewide campaigns for 988-the Suicide and Mental Health Lifeline.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Remembering the late Lee Carter Today, Thursday, May 22nd on Urban Forum Northwest: Anthony Long, Executive Associate & Board Relations Manager, Seattle's Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) Veltry Johnson and Vivian Phillips worked with the late Lee Carter at KYAC radio decades ago. They comment about the late newscaster. Former Washington State Representative Attorney Jesse Wineberry Sr., Co Founder, Washington Equity Now Alliance (WENA) comments on Governor Bob Ferguson signing legislation funding the Washington State Reparations Study. Gauri Gupta is leading Washington State Department of Health's statewide campaigns for 988-the Suicide and Mental Health Lifeline.

On this episode of Inside Olympia:  Austin Jenkins finds out the latest happenings at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) with the head of the agency, Julie Meredith.

Recorded live at the 2025 GeekWire Awards in Seattle, this episode features industry leaders navigating a shifting tech and political landscape. Amid celebrations of AI breakthroughs, startup milestones, and community-building, guests discuss deeper concerns: capital flight, regulatory headwinds, and what the region needs to retain its innovation edge. Featured on the show: Ambika Singh, founder and CEO of Armoire (Workplace of the Year winner) Joseph Williams, Washington State Department of Commerce (Public Policy Champion for Innovation) Emer Dooley, Creative Destruction Lab, University of Washington (Geeks Give Back honoree) Laura Ruderman, CEO of the Technology Alliance Aviel Ginzburg, co-founder at Foundations (Geeks Give Back honoree) Anand Subbaraj, CEO of Zuper (CEO of the Year finalist) Related coverage: GeekWire Awards 2025 revealed: Community ‘alive and well’ at annual celebration of best in tech Photos: Inside the GeekWire Awards, where it was ‘game on’ for a night of networking and more Presented by Astound Business Solutions, with category sponsors BECU, Baker Tilly, JLL, WTIA, Alltech, Wilson Sonsini, and First Tech. With GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A local truck driver voiced concern about growing litter along Clark County highways. Clark County Today followed up with the Washington State Department of Transportation, which said cleanup efforts are challenged by limited budgets, safety concerns, and seasonal constraints. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/wsdot-responds-to-complaints-about-litter-along-area-freeways-highways/ #ClarkCountyWa #localnews #WSDOT #highwaycleanup #freewaylitter #roadmaintenance #AdoptAHighway #SR14 #VancouverWA

Elle Talsma, Project Supervisor for the INSPIRE Program at the Minnesota Department of Health, tells us how the program encourages students to take an interest in public health; Chris Baumgartner, Deputy Chief Informatics Officer at the Washington State Department of Health, discusses his time in the ASTHO Leadership Institute; and the Implementing Pharmacist-Prescribed Contraception Learning Community is currently accepting applications. Minnesota Department of Health Web Page: INSPIRE Program ASTHO Web Page: ASTHO Leadership Institute ASTHO Web Page: Implementing Pharmacist-Prescribed Contraception Learning Community ASTHO Web Page: Stay Informed  

Send us a textSummary - In this episode of the PIO podcast, Robert Tornabene interviews Summer DeRay, an experienced Public Information Officer (PIO) with a rich background in communications and community engagement. Summer shares her journey from working in newsrooms to her current role at the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). She discusses the importance of building relationships with local tribes, the evolution of social media in public information, and the significance of community engagement. Summer also emphasizes the need for self-care among PIOs to prevent burnout and shares her success stories in community outreach. The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Summer's personal insights and philosophies.Summer's BiIO: Summer Derrey is an MPIO with nearly 20 years of experience at WSDOT. She excels at breaking down complex engineering jargon into easy-to-understand information for the public. From Washington's harsh winter weather to summer construction projects, Derrey uses various communication methods. Recently, her work has centered on traffic safety, community engagement, and tribal relations.LinkedInSummer's Email  - Summerinthefall@gmail.comSupport the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

Kyle Manglona, Onboarding Experience Manager at the Washington State Department of Health, tells us about the department's revamped onboarding program; Lindsey Myers, ASTHO Vice President for Public Health Workforce and Infrastructure, gives us an update on the progress PHIG recipients have made in year two; an ASTHO blog article details Maryland's success for its Building a Healthier Maryland initiative; and ASTHO has a toolkit to help you improve virtual working relationships. PHIG Partners Web Page ASTHO Blog Article: Maryland Achieves Success Through Thoughtful Planning ASTHO Web Page: Engaging Partners in a Virtual Space  

Kristin Peterson, Chief of Policy at the Washington State Department of Health, tells us why the data-sharing agreement with the Tulalip Tribe is historic; Dr. Kim Baker, Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean of Practice at UT Health Houston School of Public Health, explains the success of the Own Every Piece campaign; several members of the ASTHO team collaborated on a recent Journal of Public Health Management and Practice article that focuses on efforts to improve access to care; and an ASTHO report explores the reasons cancer prevention messaging has often not resonated with its intended audience. Washington State Department of Health News Release: DOH and Tulalip Tribe sign historic Tribal-specific data sharing agreement UT Health Houston School of Public Health Web Page: “Own Every Piece” Campaign Promotes Reproductive Wellness and Birth Control Access to More than 3 Million Women Journal of Public Health Management and Practice Article: Public Health Agency Approaches to Improving Access to Care ASTHO Report: Improving Public Health Messaging – Exploring the Reach and Effectiveness of Cancer Prevention Communications  

According to the Washington State Department of Health, flu cases are on the rise. Fewer kids are getting vaccinated for the flu in Washington State. In fact, a CDC report from last year ranks Washington in the bottom third for children who've received the most recent flu vaccine. That puts us well below the national average, which has also been on the decline. Dr Elizabeth Meade says she's not surprised. She's a pediatrician at Swedish here in Seattle, and she's working to reverse the decline. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Heidi B. Miller, Chief Medical Officer of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, explains how her state was able to see the first significant decline in drug overdose deaths in nearly a decade; Jeffrey Ekoma, ASTHO Senior Director for Government Affairs, walks us through what is next in the HHS Secretary confirmation process; Jessica Todorovich is the Acting Secretary of Health for the Washington State Department of Health as well as ASTHO's newest member; and ASTHO is now taking applications for the Implementing Pharmacist-Prescribed Contraception Learning Community. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services News Release: Missouri sees first significant decline in drug overdose deaths in nearly a decade ASTHO Web Page: Jessica Todorovich ASTHO Web Page: Implementing Pharmacist-Prescribed Contraception Learning Community  

In this episode of The Cybersecurity Defenders Podcast, we discuss some cutting-edge intel coming out of LimaCharlie's community Slack channel.Lumma Stealer, an information-stealing malware, has been observed using new evasion techniques to avoid detection.Researchers at CloudSEK have uncovered a trojanized version of the xWorm Remote Access Trojan (RAT) builder that is being secretly distributed among cybercriminals. A recent disclosure by security researcher Zach Latta highlights how the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) inadvertently exposed sensitive server credentials on its public website.A critical authentication bypass vulnerability (CVE-2024-21762) in Fortinet's FortiOS has been actively exploited in the wild, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or gain unauthorized access to affected systems.

While there has been a lot of attention to the plight of wild bees, we are increasingly discovering that there is a lot more that we don't know. A state checklist of bees is a great starting point for taking stock of what we do know. This week I am joined by Chanda Bartholomew, who is an Entomology Collection Taxonomist with the Pest Program in the Plant Protection Division of Washington State Department of Agriculture. She is the lead author of “An annotated checklist of the bees of Washington state” that was published in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research in November of 2024.  Link to the article: https://jhr.pensoft.net/article/129013/

(The Center Square) – Washington state's $45 million Electric Vehicle Instant Rebate Program for buying or leasing electric vehicles fell far short of promises to deliver environmental results and help middle-income people buy EVs, concluded a Washington Policy Center policy brief released on Wednesday. According to the Washington State Department of Commerce, the program provided up to $9,000 off a new EV lease for low-income drivers at the point of sale. The state agency claimed this translates into lease payments under $200 a month, well below the average gas-powered automobile payment of more than $700 a month.

#192: From Forms to Freedom: Building Digital Services That Citizens Actually WantFeaturing:- Soumam Debgupta, CTO, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services- Rob Lloyd, CTO, City of Seattle- Chris Chirgwin, CIO, County of Santa BarbaraIn this episode, you'll learn:How Washington State DSHS reduced benefit application times from 50 minutes to 25 minutes by reimagining service delivery through a customer-first lensWhy setting an ambitious 85% customer satisfaction goal is driving cultural transformation and transparency in government servicesThe impact of challenge-based procurement in Seattle, where defining problems instead of solutions is attracting innovative technology partnershipsHow Santa Barbara County achieved over 400 strategic goals in one year by implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)Why tracking metrics like cost-to-serve and benefit penetration rates helps Washington State DSHS maximize the reach and efficiency of social servicesLinks Mentioned:Traction by Gino WickmanCustomer First Thinking Newsletter by Soumam DebguptaOne Seattle Plan To hear more, visit www.techtables.com

Dr. Umair Shah, Secretary of Health for the Washington State Department of Health, shares some of his proudest accomplishments as he steps away from his position; Dirk Wilke is the new Interim Commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services; and an ASTHO webinar on January 29th will be the Strategies to Repair Equity and Transform Community Health (STRETCH) 2.0 initiative's fourth national convening. Fox 13 Seattle News Article: WA Secretary of Health, Dr. Umair Shah, stepping down in 2025 ASTHO Web Page: Dirk Wilke, JD, MBA  ASTHO Webinar: Centering Community-Led Strategies to Sustainable Public Health Financing  

FEATURING:- Ralph Johnson, CISO, State of Washington- Mary Craig, CIO, Washington State Department of Services for the Blind- Erik Sandie, Strategic Account Manager, IslandIN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:How DSB's Orientation and Training Center helps individuals who lose vision learn essential skills - from computer literacy to independent living and employment skillsThe impact of Title II ADA changes on state and local government websites and mobile appsHow enterprise browsers are evolving, with Gartner predicting universal adoption by 2032Why human-centered design is crucial for accessibility and the importance of proper website assessments over overlay solutionsReal-world demonstrations of assistive technologies like Seeing AI and the transformative potential of services like AiraWhy accessibility should be built into initial design and why it's often less expensive than organizations assumeWashington State CISO & DSB CIO showcase digital accessibility tech and share guidance on ADA Title II compliance for state government websites.The TechTables Newsletter is proudly brought to you by our national partner, SentinelOneWant to see AI-powered security in action? Check out how the State of Montana revolutionized their cybersecurity using SentinelOne - they're now protecting over 15,000 endpoints across 25 state agencies. Click here to see their success story. To hear more, visit www.techtables.com

Ken Bevis is a Stewardship Fish and Wildlife Biologist with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. A self-proclaimed “nature troubadour”, he is also a musician known for using songs to tell stories and educate on forestry and wildlife management. Ken joins The Stump to discuss his career, the work he does with small forest landowners, and his music. Ken has over thirty years of experience in forestry and wildlife management. Over that time, he worked for the Virginia Division of Forestry, the US Forest Service, and the Yakama Indian Nation. Much of that work was related to the Northern Spotted Owl. Today, he works for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and travels the state to teach landowners how to improve wildlife habitats on their properties. Much of his work is focused on the more fire-prone areas of Eastern Washington. He has a wealth of knowledge and energy, and his trusty guitar is usually found nearby. To contact or to learn more about Ken's work and music, please visit: Ken.Bevis@dnr.wa.gov WA DNR Small Forest Landowner Office (SFLO): https://www.dnr.wa.gov/sflo WA DNR Small Forest Landowner Assistance Portal: https://www.dnr.wa.gov/LandownerAssistancePortal Ken's Music and Shows: https://kenbevis.com/ krbevis@methownet.com

(The Center Square) – Newly released emissions data from the Washington State Department of Ecology shows the state is behind on climate goals set by the administration of outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee. According to a Monday news release from the Department of Ecology, “total state greenhouse gas emissions dipped 13.8% in 2020, falling below the legal limit for that year. Emissions rose 8.8% in 2021 but stayed below 2019 levels.” However, according to state law, “By December 31st of each even-numbered year beginning in 2010, the department [Ecology] and the department of commerce shall report … greenhouse gases for the preceding two years.”

Officials say the invasive Asian giant hornet, with its menacing nickname, has been eradicated from the United States. Also, with drone sightings in the news, we take a look at the current laws and regulations around hobby and commercial drone operation.Farewell, Murder Hornet, We Hardly Knew YouOver the past few years many words have been written about an invasive insect known casually as the “murder hornet”—more formally, the Asian giant hornet, or northern giant hornet. But this week, the USDA and the Washington State Department of Agriculture announced that the insect has been eradicated in the United States. Our long national nightmare is over.Science journalist Maggie Koerth joins Ira to talk about the entomology news, plus other stories from the week in science, including debate over how viruses should be named, the complicated relationship between science and law in the courtroom, and work tracing health signs—through earwax.What FAA Regulations Tell Us About Mysterious Drone SightingsIt's been all over the news the last few weeks: a slew of drone sightings in New Jersey and elsewhere on the East Coast, starting in mid-November. Federal authorities and President Biden have said that these drones don't appear to be a threat to public safety, and that the sightings have been a mix of legal drones, airplanes, and helicopters. But questions and concerns remain, particularly among people who live in these areas. And just this week, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) banned most drones from flying over nearly two dozen New Jersey towns.Dr. Missy Cummings, professor and director of George Mason University's Autonomy and Robotics Center in Fairfax, Virginia, has worked on drone technology extensively over the years. She agrees with what federal authorities have said: that these drones sightings are likely legal drones and aircraft, with some prankster drone owners mixed in.Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

Emmy-winning journalist Alison Morrow was fired by Washington state authorities after she defied their orders to censor an interview with Dr. Aaron Kheriaty – an act he calls “a clear violation by a government employer of an employee's First Amendment free speech rights.” Reclaim The Net reports that with the “Silent Majority Foundation, Morrow has filed a lawsuit against the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its top officials, citing wrongful termination.” “I was told I could never interview Dr Kheriaty (or anyone with ideas like his) ever again if I wanted to keep my job… when I refused, I was fired,” writes Alison. “And I would do it all over again.” Alison Morrow (AKA Alison Westover) is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and media analyst with over a decade of experience in television news. A former FOX News producer and environmental reporter for NBC Seattle (KING TV), she holds a Master of Divinity from Boston University specializing in Psychology & Counseling. Morrow has earned an Associated Press Award and the Sigma Delta Chi Award for Excellence in Journalism. She currently hosts podcasts focused on environmental issues and media analysis, particularly covering endangered Southern Resident killer whales. Find more at https://alisonmorrowmedia.com and follow her at https://x.com/alisonmorrowTV Pete Serrano is Director and General Counsel for Silent Majority Foundation. Learn more at https://silentmajorityfoundation.org Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson is a co-founder of Seraphina Therapeutics. She holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts University, a Master of Public Health from Emory University, and completed a National Research Council Associateship with the Armed Forces Medical Intelligence Center. As a Technical Agent for DARPA and researcher with the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, she discovered C15:0's role in preventing Cellular Fragility Syndrome. This led her to co-found Seraphina Therapeutics, developing the fatty15 supplement. Find more at https://drdrew.com/fatty15 「 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 」 Find out more about the brands that make this show possible and get special discounts on Dr. Drew's favorite products at https://drdrew.com/sponsors  • CAPSADYN - Get pain relief with the power of capsaicin from chili peppers – without the burning! Capsadyn's proprietary formulation for joint & muscle pain contains no NSAIDs, opioids, anesthetics, or steroids. Try it for 15% off at https://drdrew.com/capsadyn • FATTY15 – The future of essential fatty acids is here! Strengthen your cells against age-related breakdown with Fatty15. Get 15% off a 90-day Starter Kit Subscription at https://drdrew.com/fatty15 • CHECK GENETICS - Your DNA is the key to discovering the RIGHT medication for you. Escape the big pharma cycle and understand your genetic medication blueprint with pharmacogenetic testing. Save $200 with code DRDREW at https://drdrew.com/check • PALEOVALLEY - "Paleovalley has a wide variety of extraordinary products that are both healthful and delicious,” says Dr. Drew. "I am a huge fan of this brand and know you'll love it too!” Get 15% off your first order at https://drdrew.com/paleovalley • THE WELLNESS COMPANY - Counteract harmful spike proteins with TWC's Signature Series Spike Support Formula containing nattokinase and selenium. Learn more about TWC's supplements at https://twc.health/drew 「 MEDICAL NOTE 」 Portions of this program may examine countervailing views on important medical issues. Always consult your physician before making any decisions about your health. 「 ABOUT THE SHOW 」 Ask Dr. Drew is produced by Kaleb Nation (https://kalebnation.com) and Susan Pinsky (https://twitter.com/firstladyoflove). This show is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, the guests delve into the outstanding work of the Washington State Department of Health in infection prevention, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Featuring healthcare experts like Melissa Feskin, Sarah Podczervinski, and Lisa Hannah, the discussion revolves around connecting healthcare systems to necessary resources, implementing robust education strategies, and sharing best practices amidst the chaos of the pandemic. The focus on proactive measures rather than reactive responses validates their efforts in handling emergencies and preventing more significant complications. With special guests: Melissa Feskin, MPH, Infection Prevention and Control Epidemiologist, Washington State Health Department of Health's Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Section Lisa Hannah, RN, BS, CIC, CDIPC, Infection Prevention Team Supervisor, Washington State Health Department of Health's Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Section Sara Podczervinski, RN, MPH, DNP, CIC, Healthcare-Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Section Manager, Washington State Department of Health

Today, Thursday, November 21 on Urban Forum Northwest: *Olympia Washington Mayor Dontae Payne comments on the reaction from the unanimously passed Resolution No. 2576. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Olympia, Washington Requesting the Washington State Government and the United States Government to Create a Commission to Study Reparations for the Descendants of Enslaved African People and Implement Commission Recommendations. *Attorney Jesse Wineberry Sr. co founder, Washington Equity Now Alliance (WENA) reflects on the late Governor Dan Evans who passed away in September at the age of 98. In 1968 Governor Evans supported an African American Art Fletcher for lieutenant governor of Washington State. Governor Evans supported efforts to restore Affirmative Action in the state. *Tracy Brown, Founder, Board Chair, Healthy Smart Homes (HSH) is a non-profit that aim to improve the quality of life by for some by advocating and support the obtaining, retaining and transference of wealth, especially for those communities who are disproportionately impacted by discrimination. Minister Nate Miles, Mount Zion Baptist Church and Francine Johnson, Anchor Group are teaming up with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Mount Baker Safeway to give away 200 free turkeys and provide free COVID-19 and Flu vaccines on Saturday, November 23 11:00 am-2:00 pm at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1634 Reverend Samuel B. McKinney Street (19th Avenue). Urban Forum Northwest streams live at www.1150kknw.com. Check us out at www.urbanforumnw.com for archived programs and relevant information. Like us on Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Charmain Jackman, Licensed Psychologist and Founder and CEO of InnoPsych, tells us how InnoPsych plans to diversify the psychology workforce; Tami Thompson, Regulatory Affairs Manager at the Washington State Department of Health, discusses how Washington is prioritizing health equity in their rulemaking processes; the Public Health Infrastructure Grant has its own newsletter; and ASTHO is hiring several positions. CNN News Article: Why Black women are pushing to diversify health care industry ASTHO Report: Equitable Rulemaking in Washington State PHIG Newsletter ASTHO Web Page: Careers At ASTHO  

Book your first consultation with Allure Medical.https://www.alluremedical.com/contact-us/In this episode, Dr. Charles Mok is joined by his sister, Amy Mok, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, to discuss the Sinclair Method as an innovative approach to treating alcohol use disorder (AUD).Unlike traditional methods that require total abstinence, the Sinclair Method offers a way to cut back on drinking without quitting entirely. Over several months, your desire to drink reduces which provides a more flexible option for managing alcohol use.If you're looking for an alternative to the all-or-nothing approach towards AUD, Dr. Mok and Amy Mok will teach you how.Tune in to this new episode of Inside The Cure podcast — The Sinclair Method with Amy Mok———————————————————————————————Subscribe to Inside the Cure and leave a 5-star review! Amy Mok is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. She began her nursing career later in life, earning her BSN in 2012 and becoming board-certified as a psychiatric registered nurse in Minnesota. In 2017, she graduated with a psychiatric family mental health track after moving to Seattle. Amy has extensive experience working in community behavioral health, particularly with individuals dealing with serious mental illness and chronic substance use. Currently, she works for the Washington State Department of Corrections, where she assesses newly incarcerated individuals in the prison system.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymok127/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-mok-5377a211/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.mok.18Dr. Charles Mok received his medical degree from Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Chicago, Illinois in 1989. He completed his medical residency at Mount Clemens General Hospital, Mt. Clemens, Michigan. He has worked with laser manufacturing companies to improve their technologies; he has performed clinical research studies and has taught physicians from numerous other states. His professionalism and personal attention to detail have contributed to the success of one of the first medical spas in Michigan.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-mok-4a0432114/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alluremedicals/Website: https://www.alluremedical.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AllureMedicalAmazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr.-Charles-Mok/author/B0791M9FZQ?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true #AlcoholAbuse #AlcoholDependency #AddictionRecovery #LowCostAddictionTreatment #AlcoholAddiction #SinclairMethod #SubstanceAbuse #Naltrexone #Semaglutide #Wellness #Alcoholism #HealthPodcast

It's the Ranch It Up Radio Show Herd It Here Weekly Report!  A 3-minute look at cattle markets, reports, news info, or anything that has to do with those of us who live at the end of dirt roads.  Join Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt, the Boss Lady Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' by subscribing on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel. EPISODE 52 DETAILS Could H5 Bird Flu Hit Our Beef Cattle Herds? Vet Says Beef Producers Must Step Up With H5 Testing A leading scientist and veterinarian, Kay Russo, warns the beef industry to start monitoring for H5 bird flu crossover from infected dairy herds. Speaking on the MeetingPod podcast, Russo noted that while the virus was first detected in dairy cattle in March and has since impacted poultry farms and workers, there's limited data on beef cattle. Russo, with a DVM from Cornell and a master's in avian health from the University of Georgia, emphasized the importance of testing beef cattle for antibodies now that a validated test exists. She stressed, "We can only manage what we know, and this virus isn't going away. For the complete article click HERE. New Suspected H5 Cases In Humans Reported In Washington State Health officials suspect that a strain of avian influenza linked to poultry operations has reached Washington State. The Washington State Department of Health (WSDH) reported four agricultural workers in Franklin County tested positive for H5 after working with infected birds at an egg-laying farm. About 800,000 birds were culled after testing positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The workers, who had mild symptoms, received antiviral treatment, according to WSDH.   For the complete article, click HERE.     SPONSORS Trans Ova Genetics https://transova.com/ @TransOvaGenetics American Gelbvieh Association https://gelbvieh.org/ @AmericanGelbvieh Allied Genetic Resources https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ @AlliedGeneticResources Axiota Animal Health https://axiota.com/ @MultiminUSA Jorgensen Land & Cattle https://jorgensenfarms.com/ @JorLandCat Ranch Channel https://ranchchannel.com/ @RanchChannel   Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/ The Ranch It Up Podcast is available on ALL podcasting apps. https://ranchitup.podbean.com/   Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Because of Tigger & BEC... Live This Western Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/ #RanchItUp #StayRanchy #TiggerApproved #tiggerandbec #rodeo #ranching #farming REFERENCES https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/116468 https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/116519

Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@optispan Related episodes: Brain Disorder Expert: Tackling Alzheimer's & Other Brain Disorders with LITHIUM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebj-3MuAKRs Check out Woodinville Psychiatric: https://www.woodinvillepsychiatric.com/ Matt and psychiatrist Jon Berner discussed the potential of rapamycin and ketamine for treating severe depression and chronic pain, focusing on their impact on microglia and brain inflammation. They touch on how microglia, a type of immune cell found in the central nervous system that help protect the brain against infections, clear debris, and respond to injuries, shifts from an inflammatory to a reparative state in response to rapamycin and ketamine treatment. They also dive into clinical case studies of ketamine and rapamycin combinations and the complicated topic of how regulatory reform and AI collaboration might advance medical innovation. Jon has been in solo psychiatric practice at Woodinville Psychiatric in Washington since 1997. He spent several years working at the Monroe Correctional Complex, a Washington State Department of Corrections prison. His specialties include brain disorders, particularly bipolar and psychotic illnesses, complex pain, addiction, and "undiagnosed" neuropsychiatric syndromes, and other general psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. Jon has published multiple scientific papers about various topics in the realm of mood disorders and treatments for them. He holds an M.D and a PhD in neuroscience from the University of California, Los Angeles and a B.A. in psychology from Harvard University. Producers: Tara Mei, Nicholas Arapis Video Editor: Jacob Keliikoa DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Optispan podcast is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not meant to be, nor should it be construed as, personalized medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is established by your use of this channel. The information and materials presented are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly advise that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional for all matters concerning your health, especially before undertaking any changes based on content provided by this channel. The hosts and guests on this channel are not liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages or adverse effects that may arise from the application of the information discussed. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving; therefore, the information provided should be verified against current medical standards and practices. More places to find us: Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispanpodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/optispan Twitter: https://twitter.com/mkaeberlein Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optispan https://www.optispan.life/ Hi, I'm Matt Kaeberlein. I spent the first few decades of my career doing scientific research into the biology of aging, trying to understand the finer details of how humans age in order to facilitate translational interventions that promote healthspan and improve quality of life. Now I want to take some of that knowledge out of the lab and into the hands of people who can really use it. On this podcast I talk about all things aging and healthspan, from supplements and nutrition to the latest discoveries in longevity research. My goal is to lift the veil on the geroscience and longevity world and help you apply what we know to your own personal health trajectory. I care about quality science and will always be honest about what I don't know. I hope you'll find these episodes helpful!

Washington state is addressing a license plate shortage that left many counties without plates in September. Inmates at Correctional Industries are working to produce over 500,000 plates by mid-December. Learn about the factors behind the shortage and what the state is doing to resolve it. Read the full story at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/washington-state-department-of-corrections-license-plate-shortage-should-end-soon on www.ClarkCountyToday.com. #licenseplateshortage #WashingtonState #DOC #ClarkCountyWa #localnews

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington was awarded $2.9 million in funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce. The funds will help local nonprofits expand their capacity and provide technical assistance to communities in need. Read the full story and learn more about how this initiative aims to address social justice and equity issues in Clark County at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/community-foundation-for-southwest-washington-awarded-1-9-million-to-expand-capacity-building-grants on ClarkCountyToday.com. #CommunityFoundation #SocialJustice #capacitybuilding #ClarkCountyWa #localnews

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month -- a chance to educate people about the disease and the importance of high-quality care. Public awareness of breast cancer has greatly improved over the past few decades. For a long time, people diagnosed with the disease tended to keep their experiences to themselves. That's why it was groundbreaking, 30 years ago, when NPR health reporter Joanne Silberner profiled a woman named Toby Quitsland, who was experiencing a recurrence of breast cancer. Her story not only helped build awareness of the disease, it also helped create a special bond between Joanne and Toby's family.  Toby's husband Jon recently discovered that he and Joanne both now live on Bainbridge Island. He heard her being interviewed on KUOW, and he decided to mail a letter to the station in hopes of reaching her. The Washington State Department of Health has launched Vital, a free mobile app tailored for cancer survivors. It provides valuable tools to help patients build skills for their cancer journey and recovery. You can download the Vital app now on iPhone and Android Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotesSoundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. GUESTS: Jon Quitsland Joanne Silberner RELATED LINKS: https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/introducing-vital-free-mobile-app-designed-support-cancer-survivors  https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Lisa Richardson, Division Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at the CDC, breaks down a recent ASTHO report on cancer messaging; Andy Baker-White, ASTHO Senior Director for State Health Policy, tells us about two ASTHO webinars focused on public health agency rulemaking; and Dr. Umair Shah, Secretary of Health for the Washington State Department of Health and an ASTHO Member, was recently featured on an episode of the podcast “Reimagining Government for the Digital Age”. ASTHO Report: Improving Public Health Messaging: Exploring the Reach and Effectiveness of Cancer Prevention Communications ASTHO Webinar: Navigating the Rulemaking Process Podcast Episode: Reimagining Public Healthcare with globally renowned innovator, Dr. Umair A. Shah, M.D., MPH  

Dr. James McDonald, MD, MPH, Commissioner of Health, New York State Department of Health, details a program that uses scholarships to address health inequities; Dr. Umair Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health, Washington State Department of Health, had a recent appearance on a podcast and discussed the relationship between public health, health care providers and communities; Marie Flake, Senior Program Manager at the Public Health Foundation, outlines an e-learning training on the Foundational Public Health Services Framework, FPHS; Preview of an interview with a longtime ASTHO executive.  New York State Department of Health Announces Additional Funding to Continue Efforts to Improve and Expand Physician Diversity Reimagining Government for the Digital Age Podcast Episode: Reimagining Public Healthcare with Globally Renowned Innovator, Dr. Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Secretary of Health, Washington State Department of Health ASTHO and PHF: Foundational Public Health Services eLearning Series  

Today - Jessica Drake, the Arts and Entertainment reporter here at the Wenatchee World recently sat down with Nikki Darling of Darling Productions. And later - The Washington State Department of Health has awarded $750,000 through its Climate and Health Adaptation Initiative Community Capacity Grant to eight organizations, including Wenatchee's own nonprofit, Our Valley Our Future.Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LAST STAND: SAVING THE ELWHA RIVER'S LEGACY FORESTS, 23min., USA Directed by Dan Herz When a large, ecologically sensitive legacy forest in the heart of the Elwha River Watershed was identified for harvest, the Earth Law Center, Keystone Species Alliance, and Center for Whale Research began using all legal means possible against the Washington State Department of Natural Resources in an attempt to halt the impending clear-cut. Through breathtaking cinematography and intimate interviews, witness the profound beauty and ecological significance of the watershed, as well as the dire consequences of unchecked deforestation. Get to know director Dan Herz & Star Elizabeth Dunne Dan: I met a woman named, Missy Lahren, at an event in San Francisco and she told me about the legacy forests up in Washington state and how she and the law firm where she worked – Earth Law Center, were trying to prevent the state from auctioning off legacy forests for timber harvest. After she explained about the Elwha River, the undamming, the healing of the watershed, the salmon coming back, etc., and how logging could damage the watershed, after spending hundreds of millions of dollars to remove the dams, I felt that it was a story that needed to be told. Elizabeth: I want people to understand the imminent risk to our last remaining older legacy forests in the Elwha Watershed and Washington state, and really throughout the Cascadia Bioregion. My hope is that through watching the film people will understand what is happening to our forests and why it is important; that they will take action – including by voting for Dave Upthegrove, who was featured in the film, to be the next WA Public Lands Commissioner; and will feel empowered to bring people together in their own communities to protect the places they love. Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod/ https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod

Public Health Careers podcast episode with Harold Gil, MSPH

The Washington State Department of Corrections has pledged to stop the use of solitary confinement in state prisons, in most cases. And the agency says it has made progress on that goal.But a recent report from the agency's own independent watchdog, the Office of the Corrections Ombuds, says isolating inmates for extended periods of time is still a widespread practice. The findings, published in June, showed more than 1 in 5 people incarcerated in state prison at the time of the report had served a significant amount of time in solitary.  The Ombuds also highlighted 176 suicide attempts over the last decade by people in solitary. 14 of those were fatal. The report was requested by WA State lawmakers who are working to END solitary confinement because of its effects on the mental health of inmates. To find out more, Soundside talked to WA State Standard reporter Grace Deng. GUEST: Grace Deng - WA State Standard RELATED LINKS:  Prisoners still routinely isolated in WA, despite efforts to cut solitary confinement - WA State Standard https://oco.wa.gov/sites/default/files/OCO_SolitaryConfinementReport_Part1_June2024.pdf  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebecca Anderson joins Mary and Andrew to discuss her work with National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and government body under the purview of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Steeped in Permaculture, with a degree in Environmental Science and Resource Management, and time as a Woofer, Rebecca shares what the NRCS provides and what she does in her job to support anyone interested in conserving soil, water, and other natural resources with technical and financial support. As a permaculture practitioner, I recommend listening to this conversation because assistance from NRCS is free and isn't just for farmers and it's easy to start the process. All you need to do is contact your local NRCS office. Resources Natural Resources Conservation Service NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP):  Environmental Quality Incentives Program | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov) National Payment Schedules:  Payment Schedules | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov). Recommend navigating to individual states and choosing the EQIP link. Definitely overwhelming regarding choices for each practice, which is why working with a local planner is super key. NRCS Service Center Locator:  Service Center Locator | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov) NRCS Solutions for Small-Scale Farms Fact Sheets:  Solutions for Small-Scale Farms | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov) Additional National Funding Sources AgWest Farm Credit New Producer Grant:  https://agwestfc.com/about/community-engagement/grants/new-producer-grant American Farmland Trust Brighter Future Fund: https://farmland.org/brighter-future/ Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Programs: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/index Farm Service Agency Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/noninsured-crop-disaster-assistance/index National Young Farmer Coalition Young Farmer Program: https://www.youngfarmers.org/young-farmer-grants/ Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Innovation Grants: https://cig.sc.egov.usda.gov/ RAFI FOCN Infrastructure Fund Grants: https://www.rafiusa.org/programs/farmers-of-color-network/farmers-of-color-network-infrastructure-fund-grants/ Rodale BIPOC Famer Micro Grants: https://rodaleinstitute.org/education/bipoc-farmer-micro-grants/ Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP):Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants | Rural Development (usda.gov) Rural Development Value Added Producer Grant: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants: https://www.usda.gov/topics/urban/grants USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife: Partners for Fish and Wildlife | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)         Additional Washington State Funding Sources Tilth Organic & Sustainable Farming Grant:  https://tilthalliance.org/our-work/wa-farming-agriculture/washington-state-organic-sustainable-farming-fund/ Western WA Food Systems Partnership Project Accelerator:  https://wwfsp.org/food-systems-project-accelerator/ Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC) Grant Programs:  Grant Programs (wa.gov) Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Farm to School Program:  https://agr.wa.gov/departments/business-and-marketing-support/farm-to-school/wsda-farm-to-school-program WSDA Local Infrastructure Grant:  https://agr.wa.gov/departments/business-and-marketing-support/small-farm/infrastructure-grant. Note: Most states will have a state department of agriculture that funds programs like this whether it's for infrastructure, beginning farmers, etc.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by former WA National Guard Inspector General, COL Richard Kelling, Ret. who is now the Assistant to the Assistant Director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Make sure you tune in to learn more about the benefits and assistance the WDVA offers. ➡Learn more about the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs here: https://www.dva.wa.gov/ ➡Don't forget to like, subscribe and turn on the bell notification to be notified of future Raven Conversations video podcasts. ➡Keep up with what's going on in the Washington National Guard by following us on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/washingtonguard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanationalguard

Whitney Magendie, Lead Advisor of the Public Health Infrastructure Grant at the Public Health Accreditation Board, tells us about PHAB's involvement in the newly announced National Implementation Centers; Ann Abraham, Senior Analyst of Chronic Disease Risk Factors at ASTHO, explains the tobacco retailer licensing policy trends; Dr. Umair Shah, Secretary of Health for the Washington State Department of Health, recently spoke with Dr. Vivek Murthy, the United States Surgeon General, about loneliness in the United States; ASTHO has a new blog article on the integration of health equity into state and local data-sharing practices; and an ASTHO brief dives into the Grants Management Office Structure Optimization Toolkit. ASTHO News Release: Public Health Infrastructure Partners Launch National Implementation Center Program to Support Data Modernization  PHIG Partners Webpage: Data Modernization Implementation Center Program ASTHO Blog Article: Enhancing Tobacco Control through Retailer Licensing Policies Public Health Connects - RX For a Lonely Nation YouTube Video ASTHO Blog Article: Integrating Health Equity into State and Local Data Sharing Practices ASTHO Brief: Strengthening Grant Management Functions in Puerto Rico  

Dr. Deborah Stone, Lead Behavioral Scientist for Suicide Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, explains the strategies that make up a new national strategy to prevent suicide;  Nikki Meline, Social Marketing and Public Health Campaign Manager at the Washington State Department of Health, discusses a new campaign and website to raise awareness about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; and an ASTHO webinar outlines a project in Washington state that studied how tobacco users enrolled in Medicaid access care. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Webpage: 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention Washington State Department of Health News Release: Department of Health launches 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Campaign website ASTHO Webinar: Lessons with the State of Washington on Medicaid Data and Tobacco Use ASTHO Webpage: Stay Informed  

This special episode of Public Health Review Morning Edition revisits a popular episode from May 16, 2024. Derek Olson, web content manager for the Washington State Department of Health, tells us the importance of digital access and inclusion; Emily Lapayowker, assistant director of Web at ASTHO, says ASTHO has systems to ensure its online products are accessible; and two ASTHO-authored papers in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice examine the agency role associated with healthy aging. Washington State Department of Health Webpage Global Accessibility Awareness Day Webpage Journal of Public Health Management and Practice Article: Improving Older Adult Health by Operationalizing State Plans on Aging and Health Improvement Journal of Public Health Management and Practice Article: Supporting Healthy Aging and Older Adult Health: The Role of State and Territorial Health Agencies ASTHO Webpage: Stay Informed

A suspect rammed a Washington State Department of Transportation vehicle on I-5. This what you might call vehicular battery or maybe even attempted murder. The media is calling it mere "road rage," but either way, a State Trooper responded to the scene.  A standoff ensued, and charged at the trooper, who then fired his pistol. Before that though let's take a break to talk about first responder fitness with a special guest. Responding to this call are Eric Tansey, former Raleigh PD and Ted a cop armed with experience and real law enforcement knowledge so that the other side of the story will get told.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week…It's been a weird week for animals in the Seattle area. Keep a lookout for zebras near North Bend.Car thefts in Washington have been skyrocketing over the past few years, so also keep an eye on your Kia.And the Washington State Department of Transportation has a new employee: a drone designed to take down hard-to-reach graffiti.Author Geraldine DeRuiter and Too Beautiful To Live Podcast Host Andrew Walsh are here to break down the week.We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. You have the power! Make the show happen by making a gift to KUOW: https://www.kuow.org/donate/seattlenowAnd we want to hear from you! Follow us on Instagram at SeattleNowPod, or leave us feedback online: https://www.kuow.org/feedback