LWVSJ Observer Corps | San Juan County Board of Health Oct 21, 2026

||| FROM BARBARA SHARP for LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS SAN JUAN |||

Community Collaboration Council: Approved funding for Safe San Juans ($20K); and San Juan Island Winter Shelter ($15K), with a full time shelter at the fairgrounds’ Marie Boe Building.

Behavioral Health ASO: A temporary agreement will maintain the Intensive Treatment Act court operations for people needing involuntary treatment through year-end. A long term solution is expected under the incoming Skagit County prosecutor.

Opioid Abatement Trust: Bankruptcy proceedings continue to delay settlement funds, though payments remain ongoing.

Environmental Health Fees: The Board approved environmental health fees increases of approximately 10%, with updates effective January 1, 2027. Changes are projected to generate about $18,000 annually.

Influenza and Respiratory Virus: With the onset of flu season, the AAP and AAFP recommend flu vaccines for all age groups over 6 months, with a nasal spray available for eligible people. RSV vaccine can reduce infant hospitalizations by 40%. Adults over 60 years old are recommended to get a one-time RSV vaccine. Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available and recommended for eligible populations. Washington had 500 deaths from flu last year.

School Vaccine Clinics: Public health staff held 82 clinics and administered 800 vaccines in the past year. Flu, HPV, meningococcal, and RSV vaccinations increased; COVID-19 and measles vaccinations declined. Staff highlighted challenges serving seniors due to Medicare/Medicaid billing restrictions .

Youth Substance Misuse Prevention: County prevention efforts focus on delaying youth alcohol and/or substance use and strengthening protective factors, with coalitions on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands. In Washington, prevention efforts have shown about a $5 return for every $1 invested.

Healthy Youth Survey & Emerging Trends: Survey results show strong community support for school safety and food security, with generally positive outlooks among youth. Long-term declines continue in youth alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco use. Rising concerns include nicotine pouches, unregulated vape products, online gambling, social media impacts, and youth mental health stressors. Youth identified recreation, social opportunities, and community activities as top priorities. More information is available at AskHYS.net. Board of Health is accepting applications for board positions.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to promote public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.