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Thinking ahead about the possibility of measles in Idaho
As Idahoans, we value our health, our families, our independence, and our communities. With recent measles outbreaks reported in several U.S. states, including Montana, it's a good time to consider how we can stay informed and prepared.Understanding measlesMeasles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or
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Three Youth Crisis Centers opened in Idaho in 2023 to serve communities in Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, and Boise. A fourth, the Western Idaho Youth Support Center, opened yesterday, Jan. 29, in Nampa.All four centers provide a calm environment for youth aged 12-17 to de-escalate.
Senior leaders at the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) have a tradition of starting meetings with three good things that have taken place in the previous week or two. Practicing gratitude has been shown to benefit personal wellbeing, and I believe it also benefits us as a
Every day, people across the country and here in Idaho need blood to treat a variety of life-threatening conditions. Donating blood is always important because blood has a short shelf life, and there is constantly a need
Radon gas is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that may be silently present in many homes across Idaho. The Environmental Health Program in the Division of Public Health at DHW helps has programs to help distinguish radon facts from radon fictions and to help ensure the well
The Idaho Legislature convened on Monday, Jan. 8, marking the start of this year’s session. It’s an exciting time in Idaho as lawmakers from around the state travel to Boise to set policy and establish a budget for the upcoming fiscal year
The oldest groom in Idaho in 2022 was 92. The oldest bride was 87. The shortest marriage was 34 days. The longest marriage ending in divorce was 59 years.
These and
When Gov. Brad Little reached out to me in November to discuss the Department of Health and Welfare (DHW), I thought he wanted help finding the next director. I was first surprised, and then humbled and honored, that he asked me to serve as interim director following Director
Winter in Idaho poses significant challenges for many households, as they contend with high heating bills and various other difficulties throughout the year. The Department of Health and Welfare’s Division Self-Reliance offers a variety of programs to ease the burdens faced by
As I reflect on my five years at DHW, I’m filled with gratitude. Most of all, I’m grateful to DHW’s 3,000 competent, compassionate employees who are selfless, passionate, and dedicated in their service to Idahoans
A home test-to-treat option for COVID-19 and influenza is available to Idahoans through a National Institutes of Health (NIH) program.
The Home Test to Treat
During my five years with the Department of Health and Welfare the state’s three psychiatric hospitals have made incredible strides to improve their level of service for Idahoans. The Southwest Idaho Treatment Center, a center that serves people with developmental disabilities,