Know Your County Government

Hey Whatcom County Teens, Families and Leaders!

Have you ever wondered what makes a young person successful? Here in Whatcom County we are blessed with many assets that help young people thrive! 4-H is one of those assets, and you are one of those lucky people who reap the benefits of a strong 4-H community!

What is Public Health?
Pubic health (according to American Heritage Dictionary )The science and practice of protecting and improving the health of a community, as by preventive medicine, health education, control of communicable diseases, application of sanitary measures, and monitoring of environmental hazards.

www.whatispublichealth.org/about

When it comes to young people, there are important issues that affect your development, and the development of your friends, relatives, animals and your community. As members of a community your contributions and leadership help create the environment in which you live.

How healthy is the Whatcom County 4-H community? How does the health of the Whatcom County community affect all of us? How can 4-H affect community health?

Let’s begin with an online activity exploring 4-H and Youth Health in Whatcom County.

Video 1: Introduction to Whatcom Youth
Video 2: Youth Culture and Safety
Video 3: Attitudes and Drug Use among Whatcom Teens
Video 4: Communities of Prevention

- Survey (rtf)

So What Matters?
In April, the Board of Health is going to talk about a few issues that might interest you. They definitely can affect public health.

• School Immunization Exclusion Policies: Should parents be able to waive their children’s immunizations and then send them into public schools? What are the risks? Are there benefits?

• 2010 Disease Surveillance: With the Olympics taking place in BC, there will be a lot of people coming here from all around the world. What does that mean for us?

• What happens to injection needles and other bio-waste in Whatcom county? Where does it go after it’s put in the little red bag?

There are many other issues that really can affect you, particularly as a participant in 4-H.

• How do we keep ourselves, our animals and the public safe from diseases transmitted through livestock, pets and other animals?

• How can we share the benefits of 4-H with youth who really need a helping hand?

How do you feel about the issues that young people face in Whatcom County? What do you feel are important issues ?

Forum/ Blog:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=52217609277

Get Connected:
KYCG this year will include a visit to the Whatcom County Public Health Advisory Board, April 7th, 7 - 8:30 AM. 4-H members are encouraged to work together to plan a brief presentation on public health topics that matter to them.

For more information about the Whatcom County Health Department, check out their website at: http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/health/index.jsp