Camille Brown- Health Trends in Puyallup

Although we were advised to steer away from interviewing health workers such as doctors and nurses, I interviewed a woman from my home ward who works as an Emergency Room nurse. Though she is a nurse now and probably sees different trends than the regular public health professional, Kathy Leale started out her career at the Pierce County Health Department where she became accustomed to spotting trends in the community.

1.      Growing up in Washington State, legislation has always been very liberal so there was no surprise when recreational marijuana became legal this past year. However, since I’ve been away at college a lot more has changed than I even recognized. One of the top public health trends in my community has been the use of marijuana and though legal, officials are becoming very concerned with the extent of use, especially among high school-aged teenagers. Schools are still marijuana-free, but the community is coming together to encourage teens not to use the marijuana because of the ways in which it inhibits their abilities to learn. The most difficult argument the officials are being faced with however is this idea that marijuana is “natural” so users don’t see anything harmful about it.

2.      Another major health trend problem that the people of Puyallup and surrounding communities are facing is nutrition-related challenges. According to the 2013 County health ratings, our community is in the bottom third in the state. Overall, we are ranked 26 of 39 counties in the ratings. The main factors that have ranked us so low have been morbidity (poor physical and mental health) and the lack of encouragement for physical activity. In fact, our county has much fewer opportunities and facilities for citizens to stay active and healthy. Our county health officials are trying hard, but there is still so much work to do to create healthier food choices and to encourage more physical activity.

3.      Although it is not a common problem among our county, a big scare is currently occurring with a particular water source in Tacoma (the other part of the county). Before planning to eat out at certain restaurants, public health officials are encouraging community members to look into whether or not the water has been approved or not. Due to a water main break in the Nalley Valley area, restaurants have to temporarily close down if they find any sediment in their water to make sure that people are drinking only safe, clean water. If they have any questions about how clearly their water is running, they must first check with officials to ensure whether or not they are able to stay open. Since this breakage was due to a piece of the old Nalley Valley overpass falling down, it is hard to know when the water source will be up and running safely again, but public health officials are doing their best to work quickly and efficiently.

4.      Every county experiences flu season and must deal with its affects, but currently Puyallup has had to host additional vaccine clinics in the past couple months due to the unusually high outbreaks of the flu. Although it is not a good sign that they have to open up additional clinics, health officials are glad to see the huge turnouts of community members that show up since it is one of the best ways to keep citizens informed. Over 200 people attended the most recent clinic held, and even more are to come. Health officials are encouraging those who have not yet been vaccinated to get their shots to not only protect themselves against the virus, but also those vulnerable around them. 63,000 doses have been administered so far this season, and numbers are expected to continually rise.

5.      Although it is not a sickness or conditions members of my community is facing, one of the top public health trends in Puyallup that is becoming a growing threat to our health is that of federal cuts on programs. We are facing a much needed budget cut of over 1.6 million dollars that would have been used to reimburse the department for services it provides for low income people receiving Medicaid. This cut also impacts other aspects of public health such that 20 or more positions in maternal child health and community programs will be cut. This loss of funding also creates risks and may result in the closure of up to seven Family Support Centers, which serves over 38,000 people in Pierce County. Though tough negotiations are still ongoing, these decisions will impact those that do work that significantly impacts the health of the community.