Environmental Health

Public Health Emergency

Skagit County Public Health continues to need volunteers to assist with COVID-19 response efforts.
For more information about Skagit County's Medical Reserve Corps, visit our webpage here.

In the event of a public health emergency or an event that has the potential for significant morbidity and mortality in Skagit County, Skagit County Department of Public Health

• Coordinates the public health and medical services within the county.
• Provides disease investigation and surveillance.
• Identifies ways to reduce risks to the community’s health.
• Provides health information and updates to the community through our website, social media and news outlets.
• Works with local, state, and federal partners during response efforts.

A public health emergency or event includes, but is not limited to, the following situations:

• Airborne disease outbreaks or threats
• Bioterrorism agents
• Biological agents
• Waterborne disease outbreaks or threats

Preparing for Public Health Emergency Response
Skagit County Public Health works closely with local partners such as hospitals, clinics, schools, businesses, Department of Emergency Management, and Tribes, to develop plans and strategies for dealing with the possible public health impacts of natural and manmade disasters.  The department also works closely with external partners such as the Snohomish Health District, Whatcom County Health Department, Washington State Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (DoA), to promote public health emergency preparedness activities within Skagit County.

In the event of a public health emergency in our county, Skagit County Public Health will:

• Coordinate the public health and medical services within the county.
• Provides disease investigation and surveillance.
• Identify ways to reduce risks to the community’s health.
• Provides health information and updates to the community through our website, social media and news outlets.
• Work with local, state, tribal and federal partners during response efforts.

A public health emergency or event includes, but is not limited to, the following situations:

• Airborne disease outbreaks or threats
• Air quality impacts from wildfire smoke
• Bioterrorism agents
• Biological agents
• Waterborne disease outbreaks or threats

Wildfire Air Quality

• Up to date air quality analysis in Skagit County,
• Learn about the risks of smoke exposure and actions you can take to protect your health before the next air quality event.
• Information on improving ventilation and indoor air quality during wildfire smoke events,
• Guidelines to school and athletic events and practice recommendations,

Preparing for Disease Outbreaks

Skagit County Department of Public Health works closely with local partners such as hospitals, clinics, schools, businesses, Department of Emergency Management, and Tribes, to develop plans and strategies for dealing with the possible impacts of public health emergency events. The department also works closely with external partners such as the Snohomish Health District, Whatcom County Health Department, Washington State Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (DoA), to promote public health emergency preparedness activities within Skagit County.

Flooding and Other Emergencies