Jenna Kurtz

Amy Person, M.D., District Health Officer, Benton-Franklin District Health Department

Drinking Water

One of the primary focuses of the Benton-Franklin District Health Department (BFDHD) is the sanitation of the public drinking water.  Moreover, people who have their own wells they drink from are being educated on how to properly test the water to make sure it’s safe to drink because the city is not in charge of that.  The BFDHD additionally provides information about water pollution and water conservation.  As water is the most abundant substance in our bodies, it is important for the public to know about these concerns.

Tobacco Prevention

Another big focus of the BFDHD is concerning Tobacco Prevention.  I remember in fifth grade the programs started up by the health department and police force that helped kids realize the damaging effect drugs, such as tobacco, had on the body.  Now, even this weekend, the BFDHD is hosting a program on how to quit smoking for all those who feel like they should attend.  Tobacco use in Washington has already decreased since my days in elementary school with the D.A.R.E. program.  Hopefully this upcoming program will also lower the amount of tobacco usage in the Benton-Franklin Counties.

Whooping Cough

Recently the BFDHD has been pushing hard to get everyone vaccinated for whooping cough.  They especially want mothers with new babies to get it.  They’re main concern is that since the babies can’t get the vaccine when a mother gets the cough she could pass it onto their baby who can’t handle it and dies.  The public health officials have even put commercials on the local radio stations and ads in the newspaper to help spread the word about being vaccinated.  Even on their website one of the biggest titles says “Get your Tdap shot.”

Physical Activity

With obesity becoming a major problem in the United States, the BFDHD is also trending towards encouraging people to be physically active.  The slogan they have is “Be Healthy. Be Active.”  Just 30 minutes a day for at least ten minutes at a time, five times a week is all they’re asking for.  It’s not even demanding things they suggest.  For example, some of the moderate forms of exercise they describe are dancing, gardening and yard work.  Easy stuff to battle obesity.

Safe Kids Coalition

One last trend going on in the Benton-Franklin district is the Safe Kids Coalition.  Its mission is to help reduce the number of accidental but preventable child injuries that can potentially lead to death.  The BFDHD has gotten many organizations in the community to back them up and help support this cause.  Kids are our future, and what better way to protect our future then through them?