In honor of August 31 being International Overdose Awareness Day, we want to remember those who have lost their lives from overdose and acknowledge the grief their loved one's face. We also want to remind those currently struggling with addiction that they are valued and there are resources to help keep them safe. Overdoses are preventable and everybody in our community can take steps to prevent them.

We don't know about you, but the further we get into August, the more it starts to feel like back-to-school season! For most families, that means shopping for new school supplies and creating a schedule to stay on top of after school activities. But August is also National Immunization Awareness Month, which is a great time to speak to your child's doctor or nurse about the vaccines they might need!

We've compiled a list of questions most commonly asked about monkeypox and answered them for you! We want everyone in our community to stay safe, and staying informed is the best way to reduce your risk of illness and protect others too. Check out the FAQs

It’s World Breastfeeding Week! This is a week we can all celebrate, because it impacts our whole community. Many people may think of breastfeeding as a “mom thing,” but breastfeeding is a public health issue that deserves recognition and investment on all levels.

While bats can be beneficial to people and the environment by feeding on night-flying insects such as mosquitos and pollinating plants and trees, they can also carry a harmful disease called rabies. Knowing how to stay safe if you see a bat or come in contact with one is important for preventing illness and keeping yourself and others safe.

The Spokane Regional Health District has some incredibly dedicated staff, and we’re always excited when one of our team members is recognized by the community. This month Amanda Dugger, health program specialist with SRHD’s Youth Cannabis & Commercial Tobacco Program, is being recognized as the West Spokane Wellness Partnership’s Coalition member of the month.

It’s the time of year when viruses tend to spread more easily as we migrate indoors. That’s why it is great news that the new bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster has been authorized to provide us with more protection against COVID’s most recent variants. There are a lot of questions around the new boosters, so let’s go over the basics.